Joe Higgins
Ceist:98 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the inquiries into the murders of Mr. Pat Finucane and Ms Rosemary Nelson. [11893/99]
Written Answers. - Murder Investigation.
Since the brutal murder of Rosemary Nelson the Government has made clear to the British Government that the investigation into her death must be – and be seen to be – thorough, transparent and independent.
The Government is acutely aware of the concerns which have been expressed in the nationalist community and on the part of human rights organisations, both here and internationally, about the role of the RUC in the investigation into the murder of Rosemary Nelson, notwithstanding a number of changes announced by the chief constable, Ronnie Flanigan. Despite the appointment of the deputy chief constable of Norfolk, Mr. Colin Port, to direct the investigation, it has yet to secure the widespread confidence essential to ensure that all potential witnesses or those with relevant information can feel free to come forward. The Government maintains continuous contact with human rights organisations and others about the case and the conduct of the investigation, and the Department of Foreign Affairs is engaged in ongoing discussions with the British side within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference with a view to resolving these concerns.
The murder of Pat Finucane in 1989 is also a cause of the deepest concern to the Government. On 12 February 1999, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, met with the widow of Pat Finucane. At this meeting, she received a copy of a new report by British Irish Rights Watch into allegations of collusion and a copy of the report was presented the same day to the British Government.
An analysis of the report has been prepared in the Department of Foreign Affairs and is also currently the subject of discussions with the British side. I am keenly aware of media reports about the Government's position regarding a public inquiry, including the publication last week in The Irish Times of leaked Government documents. However, as the Government's discussions with the British authorities are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this time.