Northern Ireland

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Questions (113)

Pa Daly

Question:

113. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations that he has made to the British Government in respect of the murder of a person (details supplied). [22661/22]

View answer

Written answers

The murder of Sgt Joe Campbell in Cushendall, Co. Antrim on 25 February 1977 was a tragedy and my thoughts are with the Campbell family who have campaigned tirelessly for over 40 years, seeking to establish truth and justice for their loved one. In February, I met with Paula Rainey, daughter of Sgt Campbell, and a cross community group to hear their views and concerns in relation to a number of cases, including cases involving the ‘Glenanne Gang’.

With regards to cases involving the Glenanne Gang, the Government supports the work of Operation Kenova and former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher who heads up the Independent Police Team that are conducting an analytical report on the Glenanne Gang series of cases. We are conscious that this work is very relevant to a number of cases of the utmost concern for victims’ families and survivors, both North and South, who suffered in the murderous attacks by the Glenanne Gang. It is to be hoped that the report being conducted by Chief Constable Boutcher will contribute to the long process of justice, truth and acknowledgement of what happened in these awful cases, where collusion is a feature.

The Government will be as supportive as possible in facilitating this, subject to the requirements of the law, as we have other investigative processes in Northern Ireland, in relation to the attacks conducted by the Glenanne Gang and of course other cases from the Troubles.

Every family deserves access to truth and justice for their loved one. It is vital that we make progress in addressing the painful legacy of the past, in a way that meets the legitimate needs of victims and survivors. We will continue to engage with the British Government, as we have done at every opportunity on both a political and official level, to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on these issues and until a satisfactory resolution is found.