Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 2

Written Answers. - Death of Rosemary Nelson.

Conor Lenihan

Ceist:

104 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the British police authorities will be sufficiently independent to investigate the circumstances and allegations of RUC intimidation of Ms Rosemary Nelson prior to her death. [9459/99]

Conor Lenihan

Ceist:

105 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of consultation he has had with his British counterpart in relation to the appointment of an independent investigator to examine allegations of RUC collusion in the assassination of Ms Rosemary Nelson. [9460/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 105 together.

I am aware of the serious concerns which have been expressed in the nationalist community and on the part of human rights organisations about the role of the RUC in the investigation into the murder of Rosemary Nelson.

On my instructions, the Department of Foreign Affairs has had extensive discussions with the British side within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference about the conduct of the investigation into Rosemary Nelson's murder. The Government's view that the investigation must be independent and fully transparent has been conveyed to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Shortly after Rosemary Nelson's murder on 15 March 1999, the Chief Constable of the RUC invited the Chief Constable of Kent, Mr. David Phillips, to head the investigation with the assistance of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. On 17 March 1999, the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair MP, stated in the House of Commons that this investigation would be independent and that its remit would be very wide. He repeated these assurances when the Taoiseach raised the murder of Rosemary Nelson directly with him in Berlin on 23 March 1999.

In a further announcement on 29 March 1999, the Chief Constable of the RUC has indicated 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.

The Taoiseach met with Mr. Paul Nelson, in Belfast on 30 March 1999 to hear of his concerns regarding the investigation into his wife's murder. As the Taoiseach indicated to the House yesterday, the British Prime Minister is also considering these concerns. I can assure the Deputy that the Government will monitor closely the progress and outcome of the investigation now being led by British police officers, with the involvement of the FBI. It is essential that this investigation be conducted in such a manner that it is demonstrably independent, thorough and effective.