Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure colleagues on both sides will agree that we should all join in condemning the violence in Northern Ireland which got worse over the weekend. I know other Senators raised the issue last week. In particular, yesterday's appalling attempted murder of a police officer by throwing a petrol bomb into a car brings back dreadful memories of the worst days of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. At a time when it seemed that society in the North was coming back to normality and people were looking forward to the Christmas season there, it is very hard to see that happening again. We might have a debate on Northern Ireland in the new year.

There is also the related issue of the recently released missing chapter of the report of the inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, the Belfast solicitor, in 1989. It is clear we need to see fuller facts about the circumstances outlined in that chapter which give rise to serious consideration about collusion. Many of us have always sought more clarity on the circumstances of Mr. Finucane's murder. His family have been to the fore in seeking that and we need more information about it. We should debate that matter if we are debating Northern Ireland.

Together, with Senator Norris and Deputy Conway, I will be hosting a briefing on the expert group report on the judgment in the A, B and C v. Ireland case at 4.30 p.m. in the audio-visual room. I urge those who are interested to attend. We have had our debate on the matter in this House, but the debate in the other House is ongoing and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children will hold hearings in January. We will hear from Professor Veronica O'Keane and Dr. Peter Boylan, among others.