Vol. 516 No. 5
12 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has sought or received any report from the British authorities regarding the progress of the investigation of the murder of solicitor, Ms Rosemary Nelson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8481/00]
62 Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, he has made to the British Government since 15 March 2000 on the need for an independent public inquiry into the death of Ms Rosemary Nelson. [8397/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 62 together.
The murder of Rosemary Nelson in a car bomb in Lurgan on 15 March 1999 was a brutal and shocking act of violence. The murder was not only abhorrent in itself, it also represented a fundamental attack on those committed to the vindication of human rights and on the legal system itself.
Since Rosemary's murder, the Government has repeatedly emphasised that the investigation must be thorough, transparent and independent, and be seen to be such. The investigation is now led by Deputy Chief Constable Colin Port, of the Norfolk police, and I would again strongly call upon all those with relevant information to assist the investigation into this horrendous murder in every appropriate way.
Officials from my Department keep in very close contact with the British authorities in relation to the investigation. They also maintain close contact with human rights organisations both at home and abroad, with the Nelson family and with other interested parties.
I am very conscious that a year has gone by since Rosemary's death and sincerely hope that the investigation will be successful in bringing the perpetrators to justice. It is vital that the truth in relation to all of the circumstances surrounding Rosemary's death be established.
