Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 February 2014
27. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on An Garda Síochána's investigation into the murder of Sinn Féin councillor, Eddie Fullerton, at Cockhill, Buncrana, County Donegal on 25 May 1991. [9725/14]
View answerThe murder of Eddie Fullerton was a callous and unjustifiable act of brutality, and I extend my sympathies to the Fullerton family. The UFF loyalist paramilitary group subsequently claimed responsibility for the murder. It is a matter of regret that to date no person has been made amenable for this appalling crime and I am conscious that this must add to the family’s grief.
Following a submission by the family in relation to the concerns about the murder in 2003 the Garda Commissioner established a review team to carry out a thorough investigation into all matters of concern that had been raised. The Garda review, which was led by a Chief Superintendent, involved the taking of more than 150 statements and the interviewing of more than 120 people. The Garda review was completed in 2005 and a report was submitted to the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. In the period following the completion of the review there was ongoing interaction between the Garda authorities and the PSNI on issues relevant to the investigation.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the murder of Mr. Fullerton is now listed for review by the Serious Crime Review Team at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
The investigation into Mr. Fullerton's murder remains open and I can assure the Deputy and, indeed, the Fullerton family that any further lines of inquiry arising from new information from any quarter will be actively pursued by the Garda Síochána.
