Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I agree with everything the Deputy said on this matter. I fully acknowledge that very country has a right, even an obligation, in regard to its national security. However, that cannot become a cover for not providing assistance that could and should be provided. This House and successive Governments have constructively put forward proposals as to how that access to information could be provided. Not much is unanimously agreed in here but the Dáil has unanimously adopted four all-party motions calling on the British Government to look afresh at our urgent request. We did so in 2008, 2011, 2016 and 2024. The motions called on the British Government to allow access by an independent international judicial figure. We thought that was the way forward.

My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, and I continue at every opportunity to pursue this matter. The Deputy is right that we want to get to an agreement in terms of a framework on legacy, whereby truth, reconciliation and justice can be accessed by people right across this island. It would be extraordinarily helpful for the British Government to recognise the express wish of this House and come forward with that information.

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