Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

The conclusions of the Saville report are clear. There is no doubt that what happened on Bloody Sunday was "both unjustified and unjustifiable" and wrong. The command to go into the Bogside in Derry should not have been given. These were the words of Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, yesterday and they are most welcome. For the families and community of Derry it was an emotional and healing day. It improved the relationship between these islands. It was a Conservative government under Mr. Ted Heath, as far as I know, that gave the order to go into the Bogside so it is right and proper that a Conservative Prime Minister apologised to the people of Ireland and particularly to the people of Derry and the families of the 14 dead and the injured. It puts an end to the whitewash of the Widgery report, which was a sham. This is an excellent report.

The decision to hold the Saville inquiry was part of the Good Friday Agreement. It was a condition laid down by the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, and former Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair. They should be recognised for their contribution in this regard. Mr. Blair told the then Taoiseach that he would do his utmost to arrange for the new inquiry and report. It was a precondition of the negotiations. For the former Taoiseach, who has sometimes been misrepresented, yesterday was a special day as well.