Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister back to the House. I support the motion he has presented before Members and compliment the previous speaker on his support for the motion and on outlining some of the background to the problems on the northern part of our land. When the Minister came before the House previously, it was hoped that such an extension as is now being proposed would not be necessary. What is most important, however, is that the Smithwick tribunal has the time and resources available to it to carry out its important work and to report to Members at the earliest possible date. It is highly significant that Judge Smithwick has put on record his requirement for an extension of time, as well as the possibility of significant new evidence being available. While everyone obviously wishes such evidence had been available at an earlier date, it is never the wrong time for the right thing, so to speak, and this evidence must be investigated fully.

This particular tragedy from 1989 obviously is one of the many tragedies the people, North and South, experienced over a number of decades during the IRA-led violence. One must recognise, however, that there were horrible incidents on all sides of the political divide and, as part of our attempt to build a new and peaceful future on this island, we must, in so far as possible, bring truth and reconciliation to the table. At the onset of this tribunal, many people may have felt that although it was being set up, it somehow was little more than a type of political sop. Nothing could be further from the reality, however, and this is a serious tribunal engaged in important work. Members must give it the time and space it seeks of them.

I support the motion with these few words and note Members must not and cannot be afraid of the truth being revealed. The truth, as it relates to the dreadful campaign of violence across the island, and across Northern Ireland in particular, for almost 30 years, will be painful, but Members must deal with that reality and support the work of this tribunal. I look forward to the tribunal progressing as soon as possible and, most important, doing so in a thorough and conclusive fashion and producing evidence and a report to the House in due course.