Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If there was ever a weekend to demonstrate how wrong the British Government's proposals on legacy are, this was it. In light of the dignity and resilience of the Bloody Sunday families and survivors this weekend and over the past five decades and the people of Derry who have supported them, to be there was moving. The Cathaoirleach was there, too. I am grateful to the journalists who covered the 50th anniversary in such depth. Everyone, regardless of age or background, should know the horror of what unfolded on 30 January 1972.When they marched, they marched for no more than what were their civil rights. When they campaign today, they campaign for no more than what is their right and the rights of hundreds of others who journey on the same lonely path, truth and justice and, for a fundamental of any civilised society, the rule of law.

Mr. Michael McKinney, whose brother, William, was one of the 13 unarmed Catholics murdered by the British army's parachute regiment that day put it best, when he said, "They are trying to deny us justice because they are scared to face justice." The British Government is not an observer. It is an actor - a participant - in the Troubles, which adds to the hurt and injustice of its legacy proposes. Its de facto amnesty for Troubles-related crimes is morally wrong and legally unsustainable.

In this House, we came together to reject the proposals, joining all the main parties, North and South, and in the UK, apart from the Tories. Events are taking over, both in the UK and in upcoming elections in the North. Our voices have to remain strong. We need to remain vigilant on this. The British Government legacy proposals cannot go ahead. The Irish Government has clearly stated it cannot, and will not, support them. Promises were made through the Stormont House Agreement, comprehensive structures for investigations, truth and, where possible, a route to justice. Those promises should be kept for all victims, regardless of the perpetrators.