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

I thank all the Deputies for their remarks. I do not agree with Deputy Tóibín's assertions, which are more in the realm of sloganeering, polemic and propaganda than a serious discussion of the issue.

We have been very clear as a Government. I support what Deputy Brendan Smith said in that this relates to all actors in Northern Ireland who perpetrated atrocities. Deputy Tóibín supported a party at a given time that committed the most appalling atrocities on people. The Deputy did, and through the Chair, I will not take lectures from the Deputy in respect of how I treat victims. I am very fair on these issues. As far as I am concerned I would be led in a victim-centred approach and we have always made it clear to the United Kingdom Government that the prospect of an interstate case was there but we sought that the British Government would pause the legislation. I met with the leader of the British Labour Party last year in my capacity as Taoiseach and we discussed the legacy Bill. He has made clear his position on the legacy legislation. Deputy Smith has raised a number of cases with me about victims of particular atrocities. Again, as a State we must do things with due rigour and diligence, which I am committed to doing. I would not be as dismissive as Deputy Tóibín about awaiting legal advice. If one wants to pursue a legal case of this significance it must be well grounded and there has to be significant due diligence done in advance. I do not believe in a sloganeering approach to these matters. These are very serious issues and matters of considerable weight. I will be guided in a victim-centred approach. I have met many victims of British state forces but also victims of the Provisional IRA and victims of loyalist paramilitaries. They have not got closure. This Act would end any chances of many of them getting closure, which is deeply regrettable.

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