Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Having listened to the debate in both Houses, it is gratifying that there was unanimous support for the establishment of this tribunal regardless of the nuances of people's positions on various issues. I wish Judge Peter Smithwick every success and I will give him every support and encouragement I can to bring his work to a successful conclusion. Subject to our comments about economy, he will have all necessary resources available.

I will echo Senator Mansergh's fundamental point. If either the Garda Síochána or the Army intelligence unit was suspicious that there were leaks of the kind about which Judge Cory is concerned, that material would be supplied without question, subject to whatever rubric of secrecy was required. There would be no question of the State holding back, on the grounds of national security, information which could be of assistance to Judge Smithwick. He would be able to deal with any problems arising in regard to protecting innocent people or sources. It would be a tragedy if, while posturing in public as establishing a tribunal of inquiry, we were to hold back on our co-operation with that inquiry on the grounds of national security. That would be a mistake.