Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Cabinet has dealt with the issue and we are moving forward in a proper manner rather than, as in the case of previous Governments, hiding behind State confidentiality and so on. The Taoiseach has acted properly in this matter. People are jumping to conclusions too early on in this matter. Let us hear all of the information before reaching conclusions.

I would like to touch on an issue relating to the Department of Justice and Equality and my Private Members' Bill in regard to missing persons. In regard to the disappearance of the Malaysian aircraft and the 230 people on board, which is very sad, if a similar tragedy occurred in this jurisdiction today we would not be able to deal with the affairs of the people disappeared because we do not have in place legislation to do so. As I explained in the context of my Private Members' Bill in regard to missing persons, if a body cannot be located a death certificate cannot be issued and the administration of an estate cannot be dealt with. This emphasises the importance of that legislation being enacted. It should now be brought back before the House and dealt with at the earliest possible time.