Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

As the Leader of the House, I wish to add my voice to this debate. I thank the Fine Gael Party, which deserves credit for using its Private Members' time to initiate a debate on this issue. I give credit to the Minister, Deputy Michael McDowell, and his colleagues on the Government side who produced an amended motion that took the views of all parties into account. The leaders of the parties in this House met after the Order of Business to decide, with the help of a very careful official from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, on an amended wording that is acceptable to all sides. The thrust of the amended version is the same as the thrust of the original motion, although some of the language has been altered.

Several messages have been sent by those who have spoken on the motion to date. The message that politicians can agree on certain matters when the cause is just is a powerful one. Media commentators would have one believe that politicians spend their time shouting and roaring without doing anything positive. They suggest that we do not get anywhere with our ideas. If one listened to what was said on the radio this morning, one would have believed that nothing of any use would be done in the Seanad or the Dáil today. This House had an interesting debate this afternoon and the matter currently under discussion is highly relevant to the developments of last Monday and the ongoing issue of Ireland as a whole. The powerful message being sent out by Members on all sides of the House — I refer to Members from all parties and Independent Members — is that we strongly support the Rafferty family's campaign to find their brother's murderer or murderers, and to bring him or them to justice so that justice can be seen to be done. The Rafferty family is on a hard road and they know this; their faces show it this evening. This matter has been going on for some months. At the same time there are people in the community from which they come who know what happened. There is no doubt there are people who know the exact circumstances of who did it and when it was done. There will always be people who will talk and tell the tale. The combined message going out from here tonight is that the perpetrators of that heinous act should be brought to justice.

I went to Belfast to meet the McCartneys in their home at the time of the last election and I was struck by their tenacity and determination. I am aware the Rafferty family has spoken to them and exchanged views on strategies and how they might follow the path they have forged. I applaud that measure and consider it is the best way to go about it. The Rafferty views are forthright and they are getting media attention. They are standing four square behind the memory of their brother and intend to have his killer or killers brought to justice. I wish them good luck in their efforts. All of us in this august Chamber stand with the Rafferty family.