Vol. 502 No. 6
41 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his understanding of the inquiry into the tragic and cold blooded murder of Ms. Rosemary Nelson; if he has satisfied himself that the proposed inquiry will be able to make the necessary investigations and obtain the co-operation of all authorities as required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8755/99]
The murder of Rosemary Nelson was a shocking act of violence. It shocked all those for whom she worked. They have lost a professional adviser and someone who, despite threats against her, gave them her support where others might have hesitated. It shocked the legal and human rights community who saw a courageous advocate of the law and of human rights cut down in a most blatant act of murder. It shocked the public at large that a mother of three should be so callously targeted and done to death. I wish to reiterate my own personal horror and condemnation of this brutal act. At this tragic time, our prayers and thoughts go to her husband Paul and their three young children.
Rosemary Nelson believed in making progress through the law and on the basis of human rights and dignity for all. Her commitment to law and justice was constantly affronted by the indignity suffered by those denied the protection of the law and the comfort of justice. She embodied peace and justice in her career and in her commitment to the ideals of the law. The bomb that killed her was assuredly meant to damage too all that she stood for.
A number of reports, including those by the Independent Commission on Police Complaints and the United National Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Param Cumarswamy, have added to and strengthened the concern amongst very many nationalists about the ability of the RUC to conduct an investigation into the death of Ms Nelson. The Government has had on-going discussions with the British authorities on all aspects of this case, and will continue to maintain the closest contact with them. The widespread concerns which have been expressed by human rights groups, including in relation to the investigation process, have been emphasised in all these contacts, including at a meeting between the Taoiseach and PM Blair on 23 March.
The position is that the Chief Constable of the RUC has now invited the Chief Constable of Kent, Mr. David Phillips, with the assistance of the FBI, to head the investigation into the murder. On 17 March the British Prime Minister said in the House of Commons that the Phillips investigation would be independent and that its remit would be very wide. On 29 March 1999 it was announced that the Deputy Chief Constable of Norfolk, Mr. Colin Port, is to assume responsibility for the day-to-day control, direction and command of the investigation.
