Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Ceisteanna – Questions. - Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

10 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the progress which has been made by the former Chief Justice, Mr. Liam Hamilton, in his investigation into the bombings in Dublin, Monaghan and Dundalk; when his report will be available for consideration by an Oireachtas committee; the representations he has received to have the remit of the Hamilton inquiry extended to deal with such instances as the killing of a person (details supplied) and other bombings in the Republic; if the remit of the investigation will be extended accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12752/00]

John Bruton

Question:

11 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the progress made to date by Mr. Justice Hamilton in his investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he can indicate a timescale for the investigation's future work. [13379/00]

The Taoiseach:

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.

The former Chief Justice, Mr. Liam Hamilton, began his work at the end of January. He is the sole member of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Dublin, Monaghan and Dundalk bombings. I have made clear that, if the former Chief Justice requires any additional resources or support, this will be provided. Detailed terms of reference in regard to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings were agreed with the former Chief Justice and the Justice for the Forgotten group representing the injured and bereaved relatives some time ago. Mr. Hamilton is currently engaged in his examination of these bombings.

While it had been hoped the former Chief Justice would have been able to submit his report on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings before the summer break, it is understood that this will not now be possible, although it is hoped that the report will be available in September.

Discussions between the relevant Departments and offices on the detailed terms of reference for the examination of the Dundalk bombing are close to finalisation, following which they will be the subject of consultation with the legal representatives of the victims' relatives and with Mr. Hamilton. As regards the specific case raised by the Deputy, I have received a number of representations to have a public inquiry held into it. However, the best way forward in my view is for the Government to extend the remit of Mr. Hamilton to this case on a basis broadly similar to that which applies in the case of the DublinMonaghan bombings. In this regard, discussions between the Departments and offices concerned on the detailed terms of reference are close to a conclusion, following which proposals will be put before the Government. If approved by the Government, the proposed terms will be the subject of consultation with Mr. Hamilton and with the legal representatives of the victim's relatives.

I have also received representations seeking different forms of examination of other cases of concern referred to in the report of the Victims Commission, such as the earlier Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the Castleblaney bombing of 1976 and a fatal shooting at the bridge between Lifford and Strabane in 1971. Commissioner Wilson's report, while not recommending that these cases should be the subject of a formal inquiry, recommended that "the Government, taking heed of the need to preserve the confidentiality and safety of information, should, on request from the families of victims, produce reports on the investigations of murders arising from the conflict over the past 30 years where no one has been made amenable."

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will shortly make a submission to Government on the report of the Victims Commission and this will take account of the report's recommendation in relation to these other cases.

Mr. Quinn:

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. Is he aware of the concern of the relatives of the victims, notwithstanding the fact that these outrages go back 28 years or more? The relatives are most concerned that progress is made. Will he indicate if he is happy that Mr. Hamilton will be in a position to issue a definitive report by the end of this year, if not sooner?

I understand representations have been made to the Government to have the terms of reference of Mr. Hamilton's inquiry altered to include the killing of Mr. Séamus Ludlow. Is the Government giving consideration to that request? Will the matter be included in the terms of reference?

The Taoiseach:

Mr. Hamilton is putting in enormous work and time on the inquiry. My view is that the strategy jointly adopted on this matter will prove to be extremely useful, although it may not solve everything.

I met the relatives of Mr. Séamus Ludlow some time ago. Deputies will be aware I previously stated that the Government had accepted the Victims Commission's recommendation in the Séamus Ludlow case, but that consultations were to take place. The relatives have strong views and they are not yet satisfied that this is the best way to proceed. However, I remain strongly of the view that an examination of the case by the former Chief Justice is the best way forward and I continue to try to urge them in that regard.

As Deputy Quinn is aware, there are difficulties in the Séamus Ludlow case, including cross-jurisdictional issues. An added complication is that identifiable individuals were accused publicly in the case and the DPP in Northern Ireland, having considered evidence available there, decided not to prefer charges. This will make a public examination of the case difficult here. However, my view remains that an examination by the former Chief Justice is the best way to proceed.

Mr. J. Bruton:

What is the likely timeframe?

The Taoiseach:

He is working towards completing it in September. However, the volume of files and data is enormous and he is rightly insisting on examining everything. That is the best way to proceed.