Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to support the motion before the House. Under the Weston Park agreement we are obliged to hold a public inquiry into the brutal murders of RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and RUC Superintendent Robert Buchanan, in accordance with the recommendations of Judge Cory.

We must honour this obligation in full and without reservation. In doing this we are also honouring the memory of these men, their bravery and their families. These were two men going about their lawful business, meeting their counterparts in Dundalk. It was the means by which they supported their families. They were making a positive contribution to what was a pitiful situation in the North of Ireland at that particular time. Their reward was to be shot like animals in cold blood in what appears to have been an entrapment situation.

Senator Cummins referred to the fact that many innocent people were killed during the 30 years between 1969 and 1999. As he outlined, over 300 RUC officers and RUC reserves were killed. It would appear that these two gentlemen were pillars within the policing community. One of them was highly decorated. It was a serious blow to the policing community when they were murdered. As the Minister stated, it was a serious blow to the people of Northern Ireland. It was also a serious blow to those of us who believe in democracy and the role police play in a democratic society in protecting us and our way of life.

In congratulating Judge Cory on his deliberations, it is regrettable that this is the only public inquiry that is currently on offer. The judge's findings in this case mean that if evidence revealed was accepted, it could be found to constitute collusion. We must be mindful that the good judge did not find that collusion had taken place, rather the nature of his investigation only allowed him to conclude that there was sufficient evidence to warrant a public inquiry. I am particularly pleased that a tribunal of inquiry has been instigated as it is the most expansive and open form of inquiry possible in this jurisdiction. Others would do well to heed our example.

I also commend the terms of reference of the tribunal which could not be more wide-ranging. The motion before us allows for the most searching and objective examination of all pertinent issues. That is to the Minister's credit. The tribunal's ultimate findings and conclusions will be welcomed, whether the outcome of the tribunal is positive or negative. In establishing this inquiry we are not just honouring our commitment under the Weston Park agreement, we are also committing ourselves to establishing the truth of the most serious allegation, which is that the State, or its employees, colluded in the murder of two RUC officers by the Provisional IRA.

I hope that arising from this inquiry, the British Government might take a leaf from our book and will support the fine work that was done by the sub-committee, of which Senator Jim Walsh was a member, which examined the reports on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and the Sackville Place bombings. Up to now the British Government has failed to support the sub-committee. A considerable number of people in this State were also murdered against a background of allegations of collusion by officers of the British Crown. The British Government would do well to take note of the Minister's actions here today.

It should also consider the case of Pat Finucane and seek justice for his wife and family, as Senator Jim Walsh pointed out. It should demonstrate goodwill and honour the commitment which we understand was also part of the Weston Park agreement. Of all the cases that were mentioned, the case of Pat Finucane probably involved the most collusion. All parties that espouse democracy and fair play now have an opportunity to honour their bona fides in this instance. They have a wonderful opportunity to bring information to the table, if they have it, and to get this tribunal off to a flying start. They should demonstrate their goodwill through actions rather than words.

The tribunal will afford an opportunity to remove any cloud that may be hanging over the Garda Síochána, particularly those gardaí who may be serving in Border regions and those who are still serving in the force who were involved at the time in question. If collusion is proven, the necessary action should be taken. Let the Government of this jurisdiction be seen to stand for justice for all. This is exactly what we are doing. We have a duty to ensure that the suggestions that have been made are fully investigated in an open and impartial manner in the interest of both the families and the State.

I was delighted to hear the Minister state he will be attaching a condition to the tribunal to limit its costs, in so far as this is possible without encroaching on its work. We already have ample evidence of the manner in which tribunals can get out of hand and become a severe burden on the State. I wish the Minister and those involved in the tribunal well in their deliberations.