Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Much of what I had intended to say has been covered already by the other Senators. I welcome the establishment of the inquiry. The events it will examine have had major consequences and are still affecting citizens' everyday lives as well as political discourse in the State. I have some concern about the delay as the inquiry only began to take shape three years into the life of the Government. We have lost a lot of time and there is a very real chance that an election could interrupt the inquiry's work and that it might not get enough time to fulfil its mandate. Nevertheless, there is strong public demand for the inquiry to get on with its work and I wish the chairman, members and staff well in their journey. The agreed terms of reference allow for a very wide range of actors to be brought before the inquiry. As has been mentioned already, the different modules will allow for a strategic and logical approach. The task before the inquiry is large and time will be tight. It is important, therefore, that members put aside political considerations and co-operate to ensure its success. The people demand no less than that.