Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt but that the alleged practices, which were detailed once again in the recent programme, were unacceptable at the time and they certainly would not be tolerated today. I know and understand the impact this has had and the deep hurt it has caused to many different families that were represented, and this aspect was highlighted in the series. Several of the investigations themselves have previously been the subject of court proceedings, pardons and State apologies. In addition, there have been associated compensation schemes. Therefore, a great deal of work has been done to try to respond to the miscarriages of justice that have occurred and the hurt that has been caused. It is important to remember as well that Garda actions are under way concerning some of the cases we are talking about in this context, so I do not think it would be appropriate to take any action which might possibly impact on the work that is ongoing. I acknowledge and stress again that the details of the methods used in the cases in question are disturbing. Taking all the current circumstances into account, however, I do not think that the establishment of a public inquiry into these matters would serve a useful purpose.

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