Vol. 519 No. 1
87 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has sought or received any report from the British authorities in regard to the progress of the investigation into the murder of solicitor, Rosemary Nelson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13080/00]
Rosemary Nelson was brutally murdered in a car bomb attack in Lurgan on 15 March 1999. This murder was an attack on a dedicated and committed defence lawyer and human rights defender and also represented a fundamental assault on the legal system itself.
On 29 March 1999, the Deputy Chief Constable of Norfolk, Colin Port, was appointed to lead the investigation into her murder. That investigation is still ongoing.
The Government has repeatedly emphasised that the investigation into Rosemary Nelson's murder must be thorough, transparent and independent, and be seen to be so. Furthermore, it should be completed in the most expeditious manner possible. Once again, we would urge all those with relevant information to assist the investigation in every appropriate way.
We continue to monitor closely the progress of the investigation, including in relation to allegations of collusion. Officials from my Department remain 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.
Last December, a number of human rights organisations called for an independent judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Rosemary Nelson's murder and, on the first anniversary of her death, her husband, Paul, called for a public inquiry to be immediately set up.
