Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

33 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if, in respect of his statement on 19 December 1999, he will outline the terms of reference to be given to Mr. Justice Hamilton in regard to the planned inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; the backup facilities which will be available to the Chief Justice; when his inquiry will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1339/00]

Tony Gregory

Question:

34 Mr. Gregory asked the Taoiseach the timescale for the inquiry by the Chief Justice, Mr. Liam Hamilton into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. [1404/00]

John Bruton

Question:

35 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the mechanism by which the inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings will be undertaken. [1719/00]

The Taoiseach:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 to 35, inclusive, together.

In my statement of 16 December last, I detailed the arrangements proposed for inquiring into the Dublin, Monaghan and Dundalk bombings.

The outgoing Chief Justice has agreed to conduct an examination and assessment of all aspects of the bombings and their sequel. The terms of reference remain to be defined precisely following consultations, including with the Chief Justice and relevant groups of relatives. The Chief Justice will commence his examination on 31 January. The duration of the examination will clearly be related to the amount of material to be reviewed. However, the Government envisages, and believes it would be very desirable, particularly from the standpoint of the relatives concerned, that the Chief Justice's report should be available for consideration by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights when it recommences its activity after the summer break, next September. We will, of course, await the Chief Justice's assessment of the volume of the task and his proposals as regards the timing for the completion of the report.

The Chief Justice will conduct his examination in offices in Government Buildings. He has requested that he be provided with research and other staff and arrangements are being made in that regard. However, the Chief Justice has indicated that he will not be able to give a precise estimate of the resources he will need to carry out his work until he assesses the volume of his task.