Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 3

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

301 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the conclusions of the report by Mr. Justice Cory into six controversial murders, including that of persons (details supplied); if independent inquiries will be held into any of these murders as a result of the Cory report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24081/03]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

303 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Government plans to publish the report of the inquiry being carried out by Mr. Justice Peter Cory into allegations that some members of the security forces in the Republic and in Northern Ireland may have co-operated with terrorist organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26719/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 303 together.

Following agreement reached between the Irish and British Governments at Weston Park in 2001, Mr. Justice Peter Cory, a retired Canadian Supreme Court judge, was appointed to undertake a thorough investigation of allegations of collusion between British and Irish security forces and paramilitaries in six cases. Two of the cases involve allegations of collusion by the Garda Síochána, namely, the killings of RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and RUC Superintendent Bob Buchanan in 1989 and the killings of Northern Ireland Lord Justice Gibson and Lady Gibson in 1987. The other four cases relate to allegations of collusion by British security forces. The aim of the process was to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of collusion between State security forces and those responsible for the killings in each case to warrant a public inquiry.

The two Governments publicly committed themselves to publishing Mr. Justice Cory's final reports. They did not commit to publishing the documents on which they are based, subject only to any necessary adjustments, to ensure that the privacy and right to life of individuals is protected and that the relevant Government's obligations to ensuring justice and protecting national security are maintained. As part of the Weston Park agreement, the two Governments committed themselves, in the event that a public inquiry is recommended in any case, that the relevant Government will implement that recommendation.

Mr. Justice Cory delivered his six reports to the two Governments in October. He delivered two reports to the Irish Government and four reports to the British Government. At present the reports delivered to the Irish Government are the subject of consultation with the Attorney General regarding any necessary adjustments that may be required prior to publication. A similar process is being undertaken by the British Government in respect of their four reports.

When my consultation process is complete I intend, in the coming weeks, to present the two reports to Government. I will do it in the context of the commitments already made by both Governments.