Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2021
190. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if information or documentation in respect of the bombings at Belturbet, Castleblayney, Monaghan or Dublin have been sought from any State body from Operation Kenova; if such documentation or information has been provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6300/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher heads up a series of ongoing independent UK police investigations and reviews into Northern Ireland legacy cases that are collectively described as the Kenova cases.
The Deputy will appreciate that the manner in which these police investigations and reviews are pursued is entirely a matter for Kenova.
The Deputy has asked about information or documentation sought from any State body by Operation Kenova. The Deputy will appreciate that it would only be in respect of my own area of responsibility to which I can properly respond.
The issue of cooperation by An Garda Síochána with Operation Kenova is, of course, an operational matter. I can however inform the Deputy that there are arrangements in place which support the mutual co-operation, assistance and exchange of information between An Garda Síochána and the Operation 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.
I can further advise the Deputy of my continuing commitment to supporting An Garda Síochána in pursuing this work and in providing assistance to the greatest extent possible.
More generally, the Deputy will appreciate that dealing with the legacy of the troubles on this island is a difficult and complex task. The Stormont House Agreement sets out a series of useful measures in this regard to establish effective ways to address the legacy of the troubles. The Government remains fully committed to the implementation of those measures and working in the interests of victims and their families.
