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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 1

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin-Monaghan 1974 Bombings.

Tony Gregory

Question:

2 Mr. Gregory asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the absence of an official ceremony on the anniversary of the 1974 Dublin-Monaghan bombings, and no appropriate memorial to the 33 victims, he will have arrangements made for the 20th anniversary in 1994.

While these terrible events of 17 May 1974 endure in the memory of many who witnessed them or were injured by them, I believe it would be invidious to single them out for special official commemoration.

Is the Taoiseach concerned that, to our shame, what was and is, even after 20 years, an immense human tragedy, has been largely ignored for far too long? That tragedy was unique in that it resulted in the greatest loss of life in any one atrocity resulting from the Northern conflict: some 33 people died, including the entire O'Brien family, the parents and their two children, and more than 100 were seriously injured. Is the Minister aware that the relatives feel that the victims are forgotten in terms of the Northern conflict and that a fitting memorial should be provided to their memory? Finally, is the Minister prepared to meet representatives of the relatives' committee to hear at first hand their concerns?

I accept and agree with what Deputy Gregory said in relation to that tragedy in 1974. I would point out also that approximately 3,000 deaths have resulted either directly or indirectly from violence in Northern Ireland. I am sure the Deputy will agree that picking out any incident for special consideration might not be the best way to approach this matter. In relation to the concerns of the relatives that they are forgotten, the Minister for Justice indicated recently that the placing of the bombs in Dublin at that time was the subject of intensive Garda investigations over a protracted period in which all possible leads were fully pursued. No charges have been brought in connection with the bombings but the Minister has been assured by the Garda authorities that their files remain open and that any new information which becomes available will be thoroughly investigated.

Will the Taoiseach agree that no one is requesting special consideration given that in the instance of Enniskillen, memorial services are organised each year which are attended by members of Government from this State? It is a matter of great shame——

I hesitate to interrupt the Deputy in this particular matter but we must proceed by way of supplementary question.

——that no member of Government attends the relatives' memorial service.

We are still awaiting a question.

Is the Taoiseach aware of the many concerns of the relatives' committee, principally that a great deal more is known about the perpetrators of the bombings than has been publicly admitted? The Irish and British Governments must be seen to act to bring those responsible to justice, including, possibly, members of the British security services. The bereaved families and injured victims should then be fully compensated for their trauma and loss as they have received derisory compensation up to now.

I am aware of media reports suggesting there may well be other evidence available and that a television programme may be shown in the near future in relation to this incident. I repeat what I said, the Minister for Justice has been assured by the Garda authorities that their files remain open and that any new information which becomes available will be thoroughly investigated.

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