Vol. 504 No. 7
132 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself with the British Government's decision to appoint the Deputy Chief Constable of the Metropolitan Police (details supplied) to supervise the inquiry into RUC collusion in the murder of Belfast human rights activist and solicitor, Mr. Pat Finucane; if the Government fully supports the Finucane family on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12639/99]
The decision to appoint the officer concerned to was taken by the Chief Constable of the RUC when a copy of a report by British Irish Rights Watch was passed to him by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State has, however, publicly stated that no option has been ruled out in connection with the case; I very much welcome her statement to that effect.
The Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, was also presented with a copy of the British Irish Rights Watch report by the family of Mr. Finucane. The Governments assessment of this report, which has been passed to the British Government, forms the basis for our current discussions with the British authorities, which are focused on how the issue can best and most effectively be taken forward.
Finally, let me emphasise that the Pat Finucane case is of the deepest concern to the Government. We deplore, in the strongest possible terms, the recent further and irresponsible allegations about Mr. Finucane.
