Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Shatter, to the House, although I am sure the Minister would share in everyone's sense of déjà vu at being back in the House seeking a further extension to the tribunal of inquiry. It is undoubtedly frustrating that Members are back here again, but given what the Minister has indicated, they all must accept there is no alternative and the tribunal has good reason to seek this extension at this time. It must be stated, however, that more than six years have elapsed since the tribunal was instituted. It commenced its investigations in early 2006 and is now due to report by 31 July 2013, by which time it will have been in being for more than seven years. Consequently, it is unfortunate it has been obliged to take so long. There is no doubt that the murders of Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and RUC Superintendent Bob Buchanan were especially heinous, and I believe all Members have expressed sympathy to their families as well as an understanding that the tribunal is undertaking necessary work in investigating the circumstances of those murders.

The Minister has explained the two key reasons the chair of the tribunal has sought the extension of time, namely, the illness of a key witness and the fact of evidence newly provided by the PSNI and the British authorities. In what perhaps was a strong understatement, the Minister noted it is surprising the new material has been furnished only recently to the tribunal. It certainly appears to be material that is or may be of particular value to the tribunal and, consequently, the latter clearly will require more time. It also is of concern that one of the key witnesses has been very ill, and I imagine all Members hope for his speedy recovery and certainly hope he will be able to give the evidence required within the timeframe provided for by the extension. Consequently, I am pleased to support this extension, as have other Members, and also am glad it has cross-party support.