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

I have met with the Women of Honour group on a number of occasions, and with their legal advisers, who are experienced in the matter of tribunals and inquiries going back over a long period of time. I think we have been very fair. I have been very clear, honest and straightforward in relation to this. I think the recommendation of the independent review group, IRG, was to have a statutory inquiry, and we have followed through on that. There were debates and reflection as to what model would be the best model. The Women of Honour were anxious that there would be a public inquiry in line with the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921. The Government has agreed to that. The terms of reference are comprehensive. I have had experience of tribunals in the past. It is important that the tribunal also exists for every member of the Defence Forces. There are many stakeholders here. It cannot go on for five or ten years. These are serious issues that everyone in the House has a responsibility to take on board, to be fair.

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