Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday on the Order of Business, I raised the case of the murdered solicitor Mr. Pat Finucane in the context of a public inquiry. As the House is aware, this case was one of the subjects dealt with by Judge Cory with regards collusion by the security forces in a number of murders in Northern Ireland. The public inquiry obviously will not happen in the near future. Nationalist and Unionist tears are deserving of equal compassion and consideration. I am very supportive of the point made by Senator Brian Hayes on this matter. I met a large group of families here in recent weeks, all of whom lost loved ones in the North of Ireland. It was most emotional to listen to their experiences. Ultimately, humanity must underlie everything we do on this matter. We must respect everybody's rights in this regard. I would be very supportive of any forum or method by which this can be done.