Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking time out to be here this evening to listen to this debate and for the sincerity he is affording to this sad affair. It is disappointing that this is the third attempt at trying to address this issue. Unfortunately, for many, I am saddened to say, it falls sadly short of their expectations.

These 156 people fought side by side. There was no distinction between any of them. They all had a job to do and they did it to the best of their ability. The manner of the events subsequent to their experience and their experience upon their return home have saddened so many. Many Members have talked about it eloquently this evening. It is sad that this is the third attempt at this since 1961. We end up with a 500-page report that falls short, disappoints and saddens so many people. That is most disappointing.

I welcome the sincerity of the Minister and his formal apology this evening to the survivors and the families of those who are still around. I honestly do not know where we go from here. Normally, when reports are written there is an appeal mechanism built in whereby people who are disappointed or angered about the outcome have an opportunity to make comments or a submission. I am unsure whether the door is closed in respect of that process.

I note President Higgins is the supreme commander. Perhaps some form of recognition through the President, who is highly respected by so many in this country, and rightly so, would be of some comfort to the families. Perhaps some form of memorial would be adequate. I do not have the answers but I call on the Minister to see what the State could do to finally bring closure and to recognise the bravery of the 39 people who sadly lost their lives and to all the other people, families and survivors who are still with us.

It is very sad. Other Members have spoken. Senator Craughwell spoke passionately about the content of the report in respect of Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and local authority members throughout the country and the question mark put over their sincerity. I honestly did not think it was necessary in the comments. To put it mildly, it was highly disappointing.

We have not had much time to digest the 500-page report. Senator Wall outlined this in his contribution, as did others. I hope that with the passage of time over the summer we can revisit this. I have every confidence that the Minister will come forward with proposals that will go some way to satisfying the needs of those who campaigned so hard and who have been involved in this sad affair from the get-go.