Vol. 527 No. 3
118 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will continue to press for a public inquiry into the murder of a person (details supplied); the current position in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28370/00]
Robert Hamill died on 8 May 1997, following an attack in Portadown. RUC officers were in the vicinity at the time.
Six people were charged in 1997 in connection with his murder, five of whom were released. One person was charged with causing an affray but not murder. Following an RUC investigation into the actions of RUC officers on the night in question, which was supervised by the Independent Commission for Police Complaints, ICPC, the DPP decided not to proceed with the prosecution of any of the RUC officers involved.
On 24 November, Nuala O'Loan, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, announced that the handling of the case has been transferred to her office. Previously, the investigation was conducted by the Chief Constable under the supervision of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints.
The Ombudsman stated that she would "dedicate all the necessary resources to ensure that all avenues are investigated, exposed and exploited". The Government's position, as stated by the Taoiseach on 8 June 2000, is that the issues of concern involved must be satisfactorily addressed in a manner which would command the confidence of the community, through an independent, judicial public inquiry.
The Government continue to monitor closely developments in Mr. Hamill's case and to pursue its concerns actively with the British authorities.
