Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I echo and support the call by Senator Coghlan for a debate on the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights on the Barron inquiry which paints a most alarming picture. As Senator Norris said, it fulfils the appalling vista envisaged by Lord Denning. Any definition of collusion covers not only those involved in the acts either by omission or commission at the time but also covers those who subsequently sought to cover it up. As a member of the sub-committee which has dealt with four of the reports, I have no doubt that the Northern Ireland Office and the Secretary of State have done their bit to ensure there will be the minimum co-operation and information flow to the inquiries. Therefore, it must be said the current British Government is as guilty of collusion today as those involved in the 1970s.

The MacEntee commission of investigation was established by the Government on foot of a previous recommendation. When we schedule the debate, it would be opportune if the report of the commission of investigation was available. It may well indicate the measures which should be taken to ensure we get to the bottom of these terrible atrocities and the extent to which the British authorities were involved.

I refer to Senator Norris's call for a debate on the age of consent. This afternoon the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Child Protection will publish its report which will outline a good background to the issue. Other Members of the House have been involved in dealing with the matter.