The bombing at Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was a senseless act of violence in which two young people tragically and needlessly lost their lives.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a thorough investigation into the bombing was carried out at the time by the local Gardaí. They were assisted in this by experts from Garda Headquarters and from the Army. The Garda authorities have indicated to me that the investigation would have been conducted in accordance with normal procedures in place at that time and that there was also liaison with the authorities in Northern Ireland. Although every avenue of enquiry was pursued at the time, there was, however, no evidence to allow the perpetrators of this atrocity to be brought before the Courts.
I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into these murders remains open and should any new evidence emerge from any source, it will be actively pursued by An Garda Síochána.