I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 3 together.
In my statement of 16 December last, which I have circulated with my reply, I detailed the arrangements proposed for inquiring into the Dublin, Monaghan and Dundalk bombings. The outgoing Chief Justice has agreed to conduct an examination and assessment of all aspects of the bombings and their sequel. The terms of reference remain to be defined precisely following consultations, including with the former Chief Justice and the relevant groups of relatives. The legal advisers of the Justice for the Forgotten group met officials of my Department on Monday. The precise terms of reference for the inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings will be settled very shortly.
The former Chief Justice commenced his examination on Monday, 31 January. The duration of the examination will clearly be related to the amount of material to be reviewed. However, the Government envisages, and believes it would be very desirable, particularly from the standpoint of the relatives concerned, that the former Chief Justice's report should be available for consideration by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights when it recommences its activity after the summer break in September. We will await the former Chief Justice's assessment of the volume of the task and his proposals as regards the timing for the completion of the report.
The former Chief Justice will conduct his examination in offices in Government Buildings. He has requested that he be provided with research and other staff, and arrangements are being made in that regard. However, the former Chief Justice has indicated that he will not be able to give a precise estimate of the resources he will need to carry out his work until he assesses the volume of his task.