James Heffernan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join other Members in offering my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible tragedy that occurred in Berkeley, California, in the early hours of this morning. It is every parent's nightmare and it has shaken all of us.

I raise the issue of the "Collusion" programme broadcast last night, which other Members raised also. This was state-sponsored murder by loyalist death squads of Irish citizens north of the Border. It is no different from what happened in the worst despotic regimes throughout the world, whether that of Pinochet, in North Korea or elsewhere. This was reprehensible. Loyalist paramilitary forces were used as a type of auxiliary force to the British Army. This happened on our shores and it is nothing new. Last night's disclosure was nothing new. I remember as a student in the University of Limerick around 1999 reading Sean McPhilemy's book The Committee, which was very stark. Anne Cadwallader has written extensively on this also.

I was often reluctant about having a truth and reconciliation commission in that some people might spill their guts and probably get away with it. The practice of collusion was known at the highest levels of the British Government. It has now come around to giving a mealy-mouthed apology, but only after denial and cover-up have failed. An apology is not much good for the victims and families who have been left with unresolved questions. It is high time the Irish Government got to grips with the reality of collusion and demanded that the British Government fully disclose any files related to the practice. If we have full disclosure then maybe we will have some form of justice for the victims.