Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 2

Written Answers. - Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

27 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the outcome of his recent meeting with representatives of the families of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974; the new initiatives, if any, he will take to address the issues raised at the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11522/99]

The Taoiseach:

I met the justice for the forgotten group – the Dublin and Monaghan relatives committee – together with their legal representatives, on Thursday, 22 April 1999.

The group raised a number of issues, including the investigation that was carried out after the bombings. They indicated that new evidence had come to light and they undertook to establish a sub-committee to assemble the evidence and present the case for an inquiry.

I gave my commitment to form an interdepartmental group to work with them, in an exercise broadly similar to that carried out in relation to the Irish Government's assessment of the evidence relating to Bloody Sunday. The recommendations of the Victims Commissioner, former Tánaiste John Wilson, would also have to be taken into account, as the Government had put the Dublin and Monaghan bombings into his remit. I also said that a tribunal of inquiry would not be ruled out, if an argument for having one could be constructed.

Finally, I should say that I am advised that the Garda authorities are pursuing fresh inquiries in the case, as a result of information which has been provided to them in the past few weeks. As, particularly in view of the receipt of this information, this is an active criminal investigation, it will, naturally, be essential to ensure that its effectiveness is not in any way compromised by any other inquiries which may be undertaken.