While it is not the practice for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to report to the House on the progress of Garda investigations, sufficient details of this case are already in the public arena for me to state that in 1996 the investigation into this matter was reviewed by the Garda Síochána in conjunction with the RUC. Four suspects were arrested and interviewed outside the State and a file was subsequently submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions in Northern Ireland. Having examined the evidence in the matter he directed that no proceedings should be instituted against any of the persons concerned.
I should also mention that, as the Deputy will be aware, the Government has appointed the former Chief Justice, Liam Hamilton, to inquire into, inter alia, this case.