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

In terms of the Omagh bombing, we have to keep on saying that what happened in Omagh was an unspeakable act of barbarity and cruelty. The terrorists who carried the bombing out had no sense of any humanity and they displayed a complete and shocking disregard for human life. We welcome the announcement of the UK that it intends to hold a public inquiry. We got a heads-up and there was engagement with the Secretary of State in terms of his decision to go ahead with this. I have discussed possible next steps with the Minister for Justice, in particular, and with my Government colleagues in terms of how we take this further. We are awaiting details from the UK Government about its proposed inquiry in the first instance which will then help inform our deliberations, essentially as regards the terms of reference and so on and how we then respond to that.

10 o’clock

On strategy, we have been in contact with the British Labour Party and others. Our officials and I, both in my previous capacity as Taoiseach and as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, have met Labour Party representatives. We have also taken soundings in the House of Lords. There is much concern in the British Parliament about this legacy Bill. I have raised it directly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who has indicated that there will be further amendments and has kept us informed.

Regarding compliance with the investigation into the death of Pat Finucane, there have been no further developments. In addition, there has been no further progress in the UK Government's response.

In response to Deputy Ó Murchú, we have engaged on a range of issues, particularly with regard to the Kenova and Denton investigations. It is our view that they should be exempt from this legislation and allowed to complete their work. I accept that this was in response to a British Government commitment in respect of security forces, which I do not accept. I put it to the Deputy that Sinn Féin needs to do more for truth and justice for victims of atrocities that the Provisional IRA carried out. I have met many victims who cannot get satisfactory closure in respect of atrocities carried out by the Provisional IRA, which were endorsed by Sinn Féin.

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