Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Deputy McDonald raised a range of issues, primarily in respect of the ombudsman's report, which Deputy Haughey has also raised. It was shocking behaviour, as Deputy Haughey described it. The ombudsman described collusive behaviour - collusion, essentially - in the use of agents and weapons, including the handing back of weapons to loyalist paramilitaries. I have indicated a specific response to the ombudsman's report. The broader issue of legacy is one that we continue to work on, with both the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland. Both of the recent reports from the ombudsman have to form part of that.

I have met with a number of organisations representing victims, who are very impatient and have been waiting a long time for closure in respect of what happened to their loved ones. The families of the victims represent a broad range of people in Northern Ireland society and in the Republic. Suffice to say, there has been a stalling since 2010, and since the signing of the Stormont House Agreement, with regard to the full and comprehensive nature of legacy inquiries and mechanisms to bring closure to families and to have accountability and justice. We are very clear on this matter. We have entered into discussions with the British Government and the Northern Ireland parties through the British–Irish Intergovernmental Conference and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Coveney, is working on that.

On Acht na Gaeilge, Deputy McDonald will be aware that the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Conor Burns, stated at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee last week that it is very firmly the British Government's intention to bring forward the legislation before the Northern Ireland elections. All the detail was worked out in New Decade, New Approach and it should be implemented along with all the other commitments in that agreement.

Deputies Boyd Barrett, Barry and Paul Murphy raised the issue of Ukraine and Russia. I am taken aback that they have swung it right around and are now suggesting that it is NATO that is at fault. I find that an extraordinary conclusion to come to. That is what I derive from what they have said. They are saying that it is now NATO beating the drums of war.

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