Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Acting Leader stated that it was not possible to get a Minister to come before the House between 3.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. It is absolutely appalling that the House is being treated in this way and that it must take a two-hour break before continuing with its business. It is not acceptable and it is unfair to Members, staff and everyone else that a Minister cannot come before the House during the period in question. Ministers should treat the House with more respect and should not oblige it to interrupt its business for two hours.

I support calls for a debate on the report of the Sub-Committee on the Barron Report. The sub-committee, of which I am a member, published its report yesterday. The latter pulled no punches in respect of its conclusions regarding what happened during the period in question. When we debate the issue, we should ensure the families and survivors lie at the heart of our deliberations. We should urge the British Government to give the Historical Enquiries Team the resources necessary to investigate all the facts and provide a report. The only hope survivors and families of victims have is that the Historic Enquiries Team will do a proper job. I would welcome a debate on the issue.