Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

Let me refer to a paragraph 2.18 of the Cory report, which may have been quoted already in the House and which was quoted in the Dáil yesterday:

Chief Superintendent Breen and Superintendent Buchanan demonstrated all the finest attributes required of policemen. They were proven leaders in the police community and, by example, leaders in the greater community of Northern Ireland. To murder such men was a blow to their police communities, to the residents of Northern Ireland, to all who believe in a democratic society and to all who understand the important role of the police in a democratic society.

This point has not only been made by Judge Cory but also by everybody who has spoken on this issue. The two policemen were highly regarded and were role models for policemen North and South.

If one considers the types of meetings held between the Garda and the RUC, one will note they had very much become part of a routine, particularly those of Superintendent Buchanan. The meetings were designed to further co-operation. The report states there was not much security involved and that Superintendent Buchanan may have believed this would build up trust with the Garda and community in the South. This type of co-operation served as a precursor to the peace process and was also central thereto. It is very similar to the type of arrangement the Minister is trying to establish involving co-operation between the PSNI and the Garda Síochána. In this regard, one should bear in mind the implementation of the Patten recommendations and the great efforts made in building trust by all those responsible for policing in the North.

When we had our hearings on community policing some days ago, there were in attendance representatives from the European Confederation of Councillors, which includes councillors from the North and South. The councillor from the Progressive Unionist Party stated he had been very supportive of the work of the RUC and that the changes made to policing in the North had resulted in further improvement.

In light of the efforts that have been made, particularly by the PSNI, the tribunal under discussion is of great importance. There are two sides to the coin. On the one hand, we seek police forces, both North and South, that are trustworthy and accountable while, on the other hand, we must support our police service and ensure it is protected. There is a need to ensure the truth is told about the tragic murders of Chief Superintendent Breen and Superintendent Buchanan.

A number of Senators referred to the implementation of the other recommendations of the Cory report, including the holding of the inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane. My party leader, Deputy Rabbitte, referred to this yesterday. Making reference to the Weston Park negotiations, Judge Cory states the following in paragraph 2.167 of his report:

In light of this provision in the original agreement failure to hold such an inquiry as quickly as possible might be thought to be a denial of the original agreement, which appears to have been an important and integral part of the peace process. The failure to do so could be seen as a cynical breach of faith which could have unfortunate consequences for the Peace Accord.

This is why it is so important that we in the Republic honour our part of the agreement through the tribunal. Similarly, the British Government must honour its part. So far, it has not shown the same good faith in that regard. It is very important that we keep the pressure on it to ensure it delivers.

Senators have referred to the cost of tribunals and I support their comments. However, it is important that the tribunal in question be well-resourced from the outset and that it operate efficiently. We have considered the mistakes that have been made in respect of other tribunals and we must ensure that we learn from them when establishing new tribunals, including the one in question. Where costs are concerned, one must spend money at the outset, thereby saving money in the longer term. It is very important that tribunals be given the necessary resources to do their work. All tribunals should be monitored constantly in this regard to consider whether their terms of reference need to be changed and to ensure they are not being hindered in their work. I welcome the tribunal and the work of the Minister in bringing it forward.