Matt Carthy
Question:188. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the status of investigations into the bombing of Belturbet, County Cavan on 28 December 1972; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6298/21]
View answerThursday, 4 February 2021
Questions (188, 189)
Matt Carthy
Question:189. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice the engagements between State agencies and their UK counterparts in respect of the bombing of Belturbet, County Cavan on 28 December 1972; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6299/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.
The bombing of Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was an appalling and callous act of violence that claimed the lives of two innocent young people and injured others. The dreadful effects of this attack last to this day; the suffering of those who have lost what was most precious to them goes on. That the perpetrators of this atrocity have never been held accountable for their crimes can only compound the sense of loss.
The matter was thoroughly investigated at the time by An Garda Síochána, with assistance from the Defence Forces and the close cooperation of the authorities in Northern Ireland. Despite their best efforts however, it was not possible to secure the evidence which would have led to the prosecution of the perpetrators. This continues to remain a source of disappointment and frustration.
I have been further advised by An Garda Síochána that the Belturbet bombing remains an open investigation and that any new information or evidence will be thoroughly investigated.
The Deputy will also be aware of the work that is also being undertaken in Northern Ireland under the auspices of Kenova. ‘Operation Denton’ is one of a series of ongoing independent UK police investigations or reviews into Northern Ireland legacy cases that are collectively described as the Kenova cases. ‘Operation Denton' is specifically concerned with matters pursuant to the ‘Barnard Judgment’ and is an analytical review concerning collusion in what has become known as the Glenanne Gang Series.
I can confirm to the Deputy that there are arrangements are in place which support the mutual co-operation, assistance and exchange of information between An Garda Síochána and the Kenova Investigation Team and that engagement is ongoing at this time. The Historical Investigation Coordination Unit within An Garda Síochána will continue to support this partnership.
Finally, and most importantly, I would appeal for anybody with any information that may be relevant to this case to bring it to the attention of the Garda Authorities to aid their investigation.