Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
660. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Justice the reason An Garda Síochána has not provided all the requested files to Operation Kenova; and the reason for the delay in supplying all the relevant information to the inquiry in order that the victims and survivors can achieve justice. [10102/22]
View answerThe Deputy refers to Operation Kenova, which 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 and are headed up by former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.
The Deputy will appreciate that cooperation by An Garda Síochána with Operation Kenova is, of course, an operational matter and the Commissioner must take a number of factors into account. 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 in An Garda Síochána continues to support this partnership. I am informed that Information has already been provided to the Investigation Team and the remaining requests on hand are under consideration at present.
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 framework to establish effective ways to address the legacy of the troubles and the Government remains committed to the implementation of those measures. The Government is engaged with the UK Government and the parties in Northern Ireland to seek a collective way forward. It is only through a collective approach that we can hope to deal with legacy issues comprehensively and fairly and in a way that is acceptable to victims and their families.
