Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

On several occasions in the House, Members have placed on the record our abhorrence of the terrible abuses which were perpetrated against innocent young people in institutions in this country. At the same time we endeavoured to be fair to everybody in order to ensure that natural justice would apply to all people. The record will not show that the representative of the Christian Brothers stated that those who were abused were bringing claims just for monetary gain.

My understanding is that the statements were questioning the credibility of some of the claims, a different issue altogether. In the spirit of the previous debates here, it would be exceptionally surprising for us to suggest that the Christian Brothers, going into a forum provided by the State, would not endeavour to protect themselves, those who are deceased and other innocent people within the order. At they same time they would apologise profusely for the terrible happenings in those institutions. This was done.

Yesterday, one of those responsible for the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane was released after serving three years of a 22 year prison sentence. The significance of this case is that this man was a paid informer of the British security forces. Britain used the conviction and the trial to delay any question of an inquiry. During the intervening period, legislation was introduced in the House of Commons to ensure there would be neither a public nor independent inquiry.

It is vital, for the status of the present police force and democracy itself, that the Finucane family's wish for an independent public inquiry be granted. There is no doubt at the moment that there was collusion with British forces in the killing of Pat Finucane. I am glad to see legislators in America and elsewhere coming out strongly in recent weeks demanding such an independent public inquiry.