Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for being here. His presence indicates his respect for the House, for which I am grateful.

The motion before us is simple, yet it is important because it concerns part of the work of the Smithwick tribunal. It is part of a number of measures which I hope when they are all completed, will help to bring about a final resolution of the complex difficulties in Northern Ireland for so long. We do not have to go into the history of the reasons for establishing the tribunal, but we should record our appreciation of Judge Smithwick and his staff for having made such progress to date. We have had many debates in this House and elsewhere about the cost and duration of tribunals but progress is being made by this one and in the not too distant future we will have its interim report.

I have no difficulty with the Minister's request to provide additional time for the tribunal to complete its work. It is important that we are debating the matter publicly with him present. Having a transparent process is vital, not just to the tribunal but also to any work we undertake concerning Northern Ireland in trying to bring the conflict to a conclusion. On other occasions, we have spoken and will do so again about the need for a truth and reconciliation commission. We can reflect on this issue when we have more time to do so.

I again thank the Minister for being here and I am happy to support the motion. I look forward to receiving the interim and final reports of the Smithwick tribunal which I hope will help in the healing process on the island.