Vol. 533 No. 2
34 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the inquiry into the murder of a person (details supplied); if he has satisfied himself that every effort is being made by the relevant authorities to bring those responsible to justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7835/01]
Robert Hamill died on 8 May 1997, following an attack in Portadown. RUC officers were in the vicinity at the time.
In 1997, six people were charged in connection with his murder, five of whom were released. One person was convicted of 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, the DPP decided not to proceed with the prosecution of any of the RUC officers involved.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Taoiseach met with members of the Hamill family on 8 June 2000 and afterwards, stated that the case was of urgent public interest and that the issues of concern involved must be resolved in a manner which would command the confidence of the community through an independent, judicial public inquiry.
On 24 November 2000, the Police Ombudsman took over direct and active supervision of the police disciplinary investigation. She said that she would "dedicate all the necessary resources to ensure that all avenues are investigated, exposed and exploited" in this "very sensitive" case.
The Hamill family met with the then Secretary of State on 2 October 2000 and with Prime Minister Blair in Belfast on 18 January 2001, where they discussed developments in the case. The family said afterwards that they felt a public inquiry would eventually be established.
The Government continue to monitor closely developments in Mr. Hamill's case and to pursue its concerns actively with the British authorities.
