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Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 December 2013

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Questions (126)

Gerry Adams

Question:

126. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has raised with the British Prime Minister the allegations raised in the Anne Cadwallader book, Lethal Allies, regarding new evidence it contains on the extent of collusion in the Dublin Monaghan Bombs in which 33 people were killed and the 1975 bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk in which two men (details supplied) were killed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47677/13]

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Written answers

At the outset I would say that none of us can forget the many acts of terrorist violence carried out on this island related to the troubles or, indeed, the pain that is still being felt as a result. The survivors and the relatives of those killed and injured have borne the grief of these tragic events and the memory of their loved ones lives on with them.

The atrocities perpetrated in Dublin, Monaghan, Dundalk and elsewhere in the 1970s stand out in the memory as particularly bloody episodes in this island’s history. These incidents are among those reflected on in the book to which the Deputy refers. The Garda authorities are, of course, aware of the claims in the book. The Deputy will be aware that the author relies to some extent on material arising from the PSNI's historical enquiries team. The Garda authorities maintain a close working relationship with the PSNI and the historical enquiries team.

The late Judge Henry Barron and Mr. Patrick McEntee SC carried out detailed and painstaking inquiries into those awful events in Dublin and Monaghan in May 1974 and, indeed, other tragic atrocities that took place between 1972 and 1976 in which so many innocent people lost their lives. The Garda authorities co-operated fully with the Barron and McEntee inquiries. Since this Government took office, the Taoiseach has raised the issue with the British Prime Minister and the Tánaiste has also raised the matter with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Deputy will wish to note also that the Taoiseach met with Justice for the Forgotten and a group of victims and relatives in July of this year and assured them of the Government’s continued support for their cause.

The Deputy will also be aware that this House and Seanad Éireann have previously and unanimously urged the British Government to allow access to documents relevant to these events. I know that many Deputies in this House have raised this issue directly with our counterparts at Westminster and that they will continue to do so.

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