Vol. 474 No. 6
67 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has put to the British Government to have a proper inquiry in relation to Bloody Sunday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3478/97]
A reappraisal of Bloody Sunday and the role of the Widgery Tribunal has been prompted by the new information and a re-evaluation of existing evidence which has emerged recently. I regard this information as significant. It is certainly significant enough to warrant official consideration and examination. The support for a formal apology to the families of the victims which has come from within both communities in Northern Ireland is also encouraging.
Both the Taoiseach and I have impressed on the British Government the need for movement on this issue. It was discussed by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister during a telephone conversation on 31 January 1997. It has been raised through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. I also discussed Bloody Sunday in some detail with the Secretary of State when we met in London on 6 February 1997. I understand that Mr. John Hume MP will lead a delegation of relatives to meet the Secretary of State this week and will impress on him the need for the British Government to take account of the new material and to act on it.
My Department, in co-operation with other relevant Departments, is currently assessing the material now available on Bloody Sunday. We will pursue this matter with the British Government. The Government's primary concern is the need to meet the legitimate concerns of the relatives of the victims and to help to bring an end to the suffering they have endured as a result of the report of the Widgery Tribunal.
