Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister. I do not wish to engage in a lengthy debate about the tribunals but it is fair to concede that many people, both in the House and outside, have expressed concerns about the duration and cost of some of them over the past decade. The Smithwick tribunal, dealing as it does with the peace process and North-South and east-west relations, must be considered differently. It stems from the Weston Park accord, which dates from the Good Friday agreement and, in a sense, the peace process itself. We are dealing with a tribunal that is also part of the broader process of truth and reconciliation, which is necessary on this island. We have highlighted on many occasions the necessity of a broad-spectrum debate on truth and reconciliation. We have not yet reached that phase. However, in one small way the tribunal is part of that process.

I appreciate that the work of the tribunal has been lengthy. I presume the tribunal, as with all others, has been expensive, but I believe the allegation it is investigating is serious and worthy of investigation. Politically on this island, we must be mature enough to accept whatever results stem from the tribunal and to give whatever assistance is required to allow it to conclude its work. Judge Smithwick is of the opinion that extra time is required, we must respect his wishes in that regard.

As the Minister outlined, a presumably significant witness is currently unavailable. I hope that witness will be available in the near future. Apparently, some other witnesses may also be in a position to give evidence.

The matter being investigated by the tribunal is obviously a source of ongoing public concern. Our efforts to bring to a satisfactory conclusion the investigation into collusion on both sides of divide in the tragic Troubles in Northern Ireland, are worthy. I support the motion and hope we are moving towards the end of the work of the tribunal. The extra time required by Mr. Justice Smithwick must be granted. I hope the tribunal's work will become part of the process of truth, reconciliation, understanding and acceptance that is still required as part of the peace process on this island.