Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator MacSharry, and the majority of Members of the House raised the question of the murder of Mr. Pat Finucane, and rightly so, and referred to this morning's interview with Mr. Ed Moloney. The murder of Mr. Finucane was one of a number of cases which gave rise to allegations of collusion on the part of the security forces, and the British and Irish Governments agreed in 2001 to appoint a judge of international standing to investigate these cases. Judge Peter Cory recommended a public inquiry in five of those cases and, on foot of the recommendation, the Smithwick tribunal was established by resolutions of the Dáil and Seanad in 2005. The Smithwick tribunal, as the House will be aware, is concluding its work. It is a matter of public record that the Government disagrees strongly with the decision of the British Government last year not to conduct a public inquiry into the murder of Mr. Finucane, and that remains the position of the Government. While welcoming the apology from the British Prime Minister, the aim of the Government is to pursue what was agreed, that there would be a full public inquiry into the murder of Mr. Finucane. That is the unequivocal position. The Taoiseach relayed that to the British Prime Minister prior to him making the announcement in the House of Commons yesterday. The House can rest assured that the Government will continue to pursue the British Government to honour the agreements that were made on this issue a number of years ago. It is necessary for there be a public inquiry and for all the facts relating to the murder of Mr. Finucane to come out. The Government will pursue that matter.

Senator MacSharry also raised the banking debt and promissory notes and the Social Welfare Bill. There will be ample opportunity next week to discuss the Social Welfare Bill in the House. On the banking debt and promissory notes, which other Members raised, as soon as we are back I will try to arrange a debate on the question of banking and, hopefully, by that time we may have reached some agreement on the banking debt and the promissory notes. I am sure such agreement will be welcomed by every Member of the House when that happens. It is not a question of whether it will happen; it is a question of when it will happen.

Senator Bacik raised the respite care grant and the vital need for a thorough examination of the health service plan on the provision of respite care. I agree with the Senator in that regard.

Senator Norris called for an investigation into the conduct of the media during the Presidential election and other issues. It is a matter the Senator should raise with the Oireachtas joint committee that is dealing with that. The committee may decide to hold an investigation into it. That should be the forum for such an investigation.

I note Senator Conway's comments on the budgetary process. We will see what we can do in that regard.

I am glad to note that Senator Leyden sorted out the student grant for the student whom he mentioned on Tuesday last. Of course, I do not know whether the Senator has received fees from Senator Norris for the promotion of his wonderful book.