Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 4

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

98 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has now received the report of the Nally inquiry into allegations that the Garda withheld information from their counterparts in Northern Ireland which, it is claimed, might have helped to prevent the Omagh bombing; the reason for the long delay in completing the report; if it is intended to publish the report; the action he intends to take on foot of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23359/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have received the report from a group, chaired by Mr. Dermot Nally, established to examine allegations made in a report by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. These allegations related primarily to the handling of intelligence information relating to the activities of paramilitary groups.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 50 of 6 February 2003, and to subsequent replies, where I dealt with the issue of the delay in submitting the group's report.

I have sought legal advice on certain issues arising from the report and, as indicated previously, I propose to make a statement on the findings of the group to this House shortly.