Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas don Aire. Tréaslaím leis an méid atá ráite ag an Seanadóir Coffey. Is léir go bhfuil sé ag labhairt le a lán paisean faoin ábhar seo agus aontaím leis an méid a dúirt sé ó thaobh an fírinne a bhaint amach ar son na híobartaigh.

I welcome the move today in respect of the order to establish this commission of investigation. The strength, courage and dignity of the victims in this case speak more than we ever could. I commend the action taken by the Minister in regard to this commission and the support not only for the victims but for obtaining the truth and putting that before the world.

I welcome the motion being taken in the House. I also welcome our visitors in the Public Gallery. I thank the Minister and I am certain that, under his stewardship and leadership, the commission will have a positive outcome for all the victims involved in this case.

I understand colleagues from across the House and many other individuals, not least the victims, have met the Minister and have been of some assistance. The victory, if there is to be one, will lie with the Minister and the action he has initiated in both Houses to support the victims of Bill Kenneally. I have not been a Member of this House for very long but I am have been here long enough to know these processes generally take longer than predicted. Despite the commitments, this process could continue for longer than a year although I am confident the Minister will do everything he can to ensure that will not be the case.

The Government is of the view, and it is a view I share, that the actions or omissions of An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, Basketball Ireland and a litany of other agencies, which were listed by Senator Coffey, in dealing with this case are open to question and scrutiny and these matters should all considered as we move forward. I do not want to delve into any of the details of the case and I am mindful of the counsel given to us by the Leas-Chathaoirleach at the start of the debate. However, it is appropriate on the day that is in it to reiterate my congratulations and solidarity with those who have fought tooth and nail to have this commission of investigation established. Our words in this Chamber cannot do justice to their bravery and the stand they have taken to ensure we have reached this point. I can only hope as we move forward that we can bring some light, truth and research to this issue and speak the truth about what was a very negative, horrible dark power and influence in this State in days gone by.