Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 3

Written Answers. - Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.

Finian McGrath

Question:

125 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach if the maximum support will be provided to the victims and relatives of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings (details supplied); and if action will be taken soon by the Government on this matter. [28205/03]

The Taoiseach

I received Mr. Justice Barron's report into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974 on Wednesday, 29 October.

The bombings which took place in Dublin and Monaghan on 17 May 1974 were among the most appalling outrages in the history of this island. Three car bombs which had been placed in Parnell Street, Talbot Street and South Leinster Street exploded without warning within minutes of each other at around 5.30 p.m. As a result, 26 people and an unborn child were killed. Later, at almost 7.00 p.m., a fourth bomb exploded without warning in Monaghan town resulting in seven more people being killed. More than 240 people required hospital treatment as a result of the bombings. Not only were 34 innocent lives lost on that terrible day but the injured, relatives and friends were left a terrible legacy of pain and suffering.

When I met with Justice for the Forgotten on 26 April 1999 I gave them my commitment to ensure that the truth was established in relation to the bombings and their aftermath.

I will bring Mr. Justice Barron's report to Government as soon as possible, following necessary consideration by relevant Departments and the Attorney General. I will forward the report to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights in the first week in December. It is intended the report would be published by the committee and considered in public session.

I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the group, Justice for the Forgotten, for its work on behalf of the families and for its assistance to the inquiry.

The establishment of the inquiry followed on from the recommendations of the report of the Victims Commission, the sole member of which was the former Tánaiste, John Wilson. That report also made recommendations regarding payments to victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland in this jurisdiction. The Remembrance Fund Commission has now been established and will administer the remembrance fund for a three year period. The Government has approved expenditure of €9 million over the lifetime of the commission.