Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister. This is an annual occasion, when the House gets to renew the amendments made to the Offences against the State Act in 1998. I recall some of the debate in this House at that time and the support on all sides to the provisions introduced in order to boost the apparatus of the State in bringing to justice people who were involved in such offences.

It is regrettable that it is still seen to be necessary to continue these provisions. However, the Minister has given us his reasons for this and also articulated the opinion of the Garda in this regard. Not alone is one mindful of the killings in Omagh, but the publication of the Saville report is a seminal moment in relationships in both parts of this island, and particularly between the two islands. It is also very significant in terms of the history of the dealings of Britain in these matters. I have been struck by the reaction of the victims and their families. A benefit of the peace process has been that the families were able to pursue this in a manner that to some extent has brought closure and a degree of comfort from the viewpoint that their loved ones have been exonerated. The truth has been published and articulated not alone by the Saville report, but the subsequent comments of the British Prime Minister, who fully acknowledged that the killings were not justified and that, indeed, the whole act was unjustifiable. He apologised profusely on behalf of the state for the fact that it had happened.

I was somewhat concerned yesterday at the reaction of some Unionist politicians, and this was referred on the Order of Business, but I did not comment. I listened carefully to what Senator Harris had to say in this regard, and I understand the position, from my contacts with the Unionist community. However, we must recognise - as I hope they will, as well - that the reaction they have is part of the legacy of the divisions between the communities. In that regard, the remarks of the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson, MLA, were particularly good and significant.