Trevor Sargent
Question:77 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will be pressing for a public inquiry into the killing of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30559/01]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
Pat Finucane was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in Belfast on 12 February 1989. Since then, serious allegations have been made concerning collusion between the security forces and loyalist paramilitaries in this case. On 24 February 2000, following a meeting with the Finucane family, the Taoiseach called for an independent, judicial public inquiry to examine all the circumstances surrounding the murder of Pat Finucane. The Government remains committed to achieving the objective of an independent, judicial inquiry in this case. It is our view that the arrangements proposed in the Weston Park package constitute the best available means to achieve this objective.
At Weston Park, both governments agreed to appoint a judge of international standing to undertake a thorough investigation of the Finucane and five other cases. The judge will be appointed upon the conclusion of current investigations, but not later than April 2002. The governments have promised to abide by the findings and recommendations of the judge, including any recommendations for a public inquiry in any of the cases. The two governments are at present actively seeking a suitable judge of international standing to take on this task.
I also condemn the murder of William Stobie in Belfast yesterday morning. This brutal act of violence has left another family in mourning. The murder was abhorrent in itself but may also have been an attempt to stifle the search for the truth into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Pat Finucane. It must not be allowed to hinder that search.