Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. Will the Taoiseach update us on the Government's consideration of the despicable legislation on legacy issues that was enacted by the British Parliament. As we in this House all know, that legislation has no regard whatsoever for the victims of so many heinous crimes perpetrated by paramilitary organisations and by some members of the British state forces. The needs and concerns of victims and the families of victims has to be to the forefront in all our discussions and decision making.

At the end of this month, we will mark the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Belturbet where two teenagers lost their lives. Again, the truth has never been established in relation to who carried out that crime. Next May will mark the 50th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and again there has been a total lack of co-operation by the British state in having a meaningful and comprehensive investigation into those atrocities. There is an urgent need, as we all know, to have the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Northern Ireland Executive, and the North-South Ministerial Council established to carry on with day-to-day and very important issues that concern the people on a daily basis.

See this speech in context