Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2018
105. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he or his officials have held meetings recently on the matter. [19990/18]
View answerDealing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland are of the utmost importance to the Government.
The Programme for a Partnership Government highlights this priority, with specific reference to implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin-Monaghan bombings that was adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.
I want to acknowledge the tireless work of Justice for the Forgotten and of members of this House in supporting and advocating for victims and survivors of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings and their families. I met with Justice for the Forgotten on 17 April last to hear their views and update them on the progress of the request to the British Government.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of the all-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government.
I am actively engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on this issue, as are officials from my Department. I recently raised the issue directly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradley on 16 April last.
I have underlined to the British Government that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin-Monaghan atrocities. I have also advised that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and I have emphasised the urgent need for such a response.
The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on the request in relation to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, and pursue all possible avenues that could achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House.
