Earlier, the Taoiseach described the latest report of the Police Ombudsman as deeply concerning. It is indeed shocking and sheds light on the activities of British state agents and on their connection to 27 loyalist murders and attempted murders in south Belfast between 1990 and 1998. As he will know, this is just the latest report setting out the nature of the relationship between the British state and loyalist paramilitary gangs.

As the Taoiseach knows, collusion was a reality for nationalists in the North. Britain can have no hiding place from the deliberate, calculated policy of arming, directing and controlling death squads in Ireland. When will the Taoiseach give a full and comprehensive response to this series of damning reports? What contact has he had, or does he intend to have, with the British Government and particularly the British Prime Minister regarding this issue? Ad-libbing in response to a question posed on the floor of the House is not a sufficient response to the scale of Britain’s dirty war in Ireland, which is now, report by report, coming to light.

In fairness, I was responding to issues raised by Deputy Mac Lochlainn. I certainly was not ad-libbing. I was giving a very considered response setting out my views regarding the latest report from the ombudsman, which is quite appalling. I make no bones about saying that. Last week, I met several victims' groups. I met Mark Sykes in the context of what happened in south Belfast. I also met Raymond McCord's group and Michael Gallagher in respect of Omagh. I refer as well to the activities of loyalist paramilitaries in respect of murders. What is clear from the experience of all the victims is the absolute necessity for truth, for full transparency and accountability and for people to be prosecuted where such prosecutions are possible.

I thank the Taoiseach. His time is up.

I reiterated the Government’s position that we have communicated, and I have spoken personally and formally to the British Prime Minister and the authorities in this regard, that there can be no amnesty. When we listen to the victims and the families of the victims especially, it is clear that the British Government must change tack here.

Has the Taoiseach spoken to them on the back of these reports?

No, we cannot have a discussion on this. I call Deputy Nash.