Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I do not have specific insights into provisional findings from Operation Denton. I know it is hoped the report will appear in the coming months. We all hope this provides families and survivors with much-needed answers. I will continue to make the point, as will the Minister for Justice, regarding the importance of this information being provided and, more broadly, the issue of legacy. The Irish Government wants two things to happen with regard to legacy. We want a legacy infrastructure that is human rights-compliant and we want something that can bring victims and survivors, or at least as many of them as possible, with the process. Neither of those circumstances exist with the Legacy Act. There is really good and intensive engagement between the two Governments - my Department and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn. I am hopeful - it is not guaranteed - we can try to reach a landing zone in the coming weeks that could see us take an important step forward on legacy, which would be so important to so many people across this island.

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