Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. There is much interest in this issue. A judicial review is also under way in respect of challenging the report, and it is difficult for me to comment in too much detail until that judicial review has been settled and we get a clear outcome. We are, however, committed to implementing the recommendations in the report.

To be honest, some elements in the report take away from it. I refer to commentary concerning public representatives and what they have said and done on campaigns etc. It was unhelpful that the report focused on that aspect of the debate on Jadotville.

What is in the report, though, regarding an historical account of what happened, is valuable and accurate. Much work went into that element and it should guide us in future. That is where we are, but I will be happy to have a more substantial debate on this issue when we have an opportunity to do so.

It would be helpful if the judicial review was concluded, because that would allow us to have that debate without having to be concerned about whether our comments might influence the outcome of that legal process. That is just a suggestion, but I will be happy to hold a debate whenever the Members would like to have it.

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