Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2017
42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress in an investigation into the Belturbet bombing of December 1972 which caused the death of two teenagers; if her attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns about the lack of progress on this investigation to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7608/17]
View answerThe bomb attack on the post office in Belturbet, Co. Cavan in December 1972 was an appalling atrocity which claimed the lives of two innocent young people. My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in such a callous manner that day. These unspeakable murders, like so many other acts of violence, characterised the darkest period in the modern history of this island. The families of those killed in Belturbet, like the families of so many others killed over course of the troubles in unjustified and despicable acts, bear the pain of loss to this day.
An Garda Síochána conducted a full investigation at the time with close liaison with the authorities in Northern Ireland as well as technical and expert assistance from the Army. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that every possible avenue of inquiry was pursued at the time but it has not proved possible to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. This is a matter of profound regret.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the investigation into these murders remain open. However, with the passage of over forty years and with no new evidence emerging, one would have to be cautious as to the prospect of bringing a successful prosecution. Nonetheless, the Garda Authorities will pursue any new information or evidence that becomes available and will work with the PSNI to seek to progress the investigation where new evidence is produced. I would call on anyone with any relevant information about this atrocity to bring it to the attention of An Garda Síochána.
It is a sad fact that dealing with the legacy of the troubles on this island is very difficult and complex task. In the Stormont House Agreement a series of useful measures were agreed to put in place an overarching framework to seek to deal with the legacy of the troubles. The Government is fully committed to playing its part in implementing those measures and will continue to work with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland to give effect to the measures.
