Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Before I raise an important issue, I want to make reference to a growing trend I have noted in this Chamber over recent days and weeks. When this side of the House, in particular, these benches, raise the chaos and the shambles in the Government, particularly manifested in transportation links in Bus Éireann, we are dismissed as opportunists, cynical, reckless and negative, but when Fine Gael Senators lament the Government's chaotic decisions I wonder will they be characterised with the same brush.

Today, at 1 p.m., representatives of the McGurk's bombing families will provide a briefing for Oireachtas Members and their support staff in the AV Room. I am sure many are familiar with the McGurk's case. It was a bomb planted at McGurk's bar on North Queen Street in 1971. It killed 15 people. Immediately after that tragedy, the British state moved, as it transpires, incorrectly, to blame the IRA for the bomb, citing it as being an own goal. It is several decades ago now but the families have not lost their commitment or determination for justice. It has got to the point where grandchildren and great-grandchildren are having to carry the flame in that campaign.

I would hope to have a Commencement debate on this, given the Government's responsibilities around the outstanding legacy issues. I will approach the issue with all of the respect and courtesy, and hopefully, the support of all Members, that it deserves. It would be a useful opportunity, given the new evidence that has come to light which has been exposed by the families themselves working diligently to expose the lies inflicted upon them. As a House, as institutions and as individual Senators, we should support their justifiable and understandable call for an inquest into the murder of 15 of their relatives and loved ones.