Finian McGrath
Question:159 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the position regarding further developments on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings case of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28526/04]
View answerTuesday, 16 November 2004
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Written answers
Following receipt of the transcript of the proceedings of the inquest into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974, and on the recommendation of the inquest jury, I forwarded a copy of the transcript to the Secretary of State, Paul Murphy.
Following its consideration of the final report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights on the report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the bombings last July, the Government decided to establish a commission of investigation with appropriate terms of reference in line with the sub-committee's recommendations, to examine the Garda investigation of the bombings and missing documents and to pursue with the British Government the establishment of a Weston Park style inquiry into the bombings.
Following the passing of the relevant legislation last July, my Department has begun the process for the establishment of the commission of investigation which will require the approval of the House. While detailed terms of reference have yet to be approved by the Government, the commission will, as recommended by the joint Oireachtas committee, consider why the Garda investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings was wound down in 1974, why the Garda did not follow up on certain specific leads and the exact documentation, departmental, Garda intelligence and any other documentation of relevance, that is unaccounted for.
The commission will take account of investigative work undertaken into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974, including the report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry, the final report of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, inquest statements and the internal Garda investigation.
I raised the establishment of a Weston Park style inquiry into the bombings at my meeting with Prime Minister Blair at Sedgefield.