Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Victims Commission.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

278 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will implement Commissioner John Wilson's recommendations for the victims of violence, especially those of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14085/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

In May 1998 I obtained Government approval to conduct a review of services and arrangements in place in this jurisdiction to meet the needs of those who had suffered as a result of violent action associated with the conflict in Northern Ireland over the past 30 years. Former Tánaiste, John Wilson, agreed to carry out this task on behalf of the Government. Following his review, Mr. Wilson made a wide range of recommendations in his report, A Place and a Name, on measures which needed to be taken to acknowledge and address the suffering of those in question.

My Department is in consultation with the relevant Departments and agencies with a view to preparing an implementation plan for the recommendations as a whole. This draft plan will shortly be submitted to Government for approval.

Progress has already been made on implementing a number of Mr. Wilson's recommendations. As the Deputy will be aware, in line with Mr. Wilson's recommendations regarding the Dublin/Monaghan bombings the Government asked the former Chief Justice Mr. Liam Hamilton to undertake a thorough examination of all aspects of the bombings and their sequel. This examination is under way and the Government is awaiting its outcome.