Northern Ireland Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2005

Wednesday, 2 February 2005

Questions (238)

Finian McGrath

Question:

298 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the activities of the British secret service here in 1972 should now be made public and the Oireachtas should be informed of the activities of a person (details supplied), the files of the Garda Síochána to which this person sought or obtained access, of the length of time the spying ring was in operation, if this person was involved in activities other than spying and if this is his real name. [2915/05]

Written answers

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

The Deputy will be aware that the contemporary historical record already details the activities, actual and alleged, of the person in question.

The release of any records held in this respect by public bodies, including by my Department and the Garda Síochána, is governed by the provisions of the National Archives Act 1986. According to those provisions, it is a matter for designated certifying officers to make decisions on the retention, withholding or release for public inspection of 30 year old records.

In the time available, it is not possible to respond to the remaining aspects of the question, and I will communicate further with the Deputy in this regard.