Vol. 552 No. 1
529 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if meaningful progress has been made in bringing to justice the IRA killers of a person (details supplied) murdered on 19 July 1991; if the crime is still being investigated by the Garda authorities; and if charges are likely to be preferred against persons for complicity in the abduction of this person. [11067/02]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there have been no recent developments in this investigation and that no evidence is available to bring charges against any person or persons. However, I have been assured by the Garda that the file on this case remains open and that any fresh information coming to their notice will be fully and thoroughly investigated.
530 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if progress has been made in the investigation into the murder of a person (details supplied) in County Louth by loyalist terrorists. [11068/02]
While it is not usual practice for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to report to the House on the progress of individual Garda investigations, sufficient details of this case are already in the public arena for me to state that in 1996 the investigation into this matter was reviewed by the Garda Síochána in conjunction with the then RUC. Four suspects were arrested and interviewed outside the State and a file was subsequently submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions of Northern Ireland. Having examined the evidence in the matter he directed that no proceedings should be instituted against any of the persons concerned. However, the Garda authorities assure me that their investigation file remains open in this case and that any developments will be fully pursued.
The Deputy will be aware that the Government decided in principle in September 1999 to establish an inquiry into this case as well as bombings in Dublin, Monaghan and Dundalk. Mr. Justice Barron agreed in December last to undertake the inquiry, to be carried out on the same basis as that into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, in line with the recommendations contained in the report of the Victims Commission. It is understood that Mr. Justice Barron recently met the legal representatives of the victim's relatives to discuss how matters may be progressed.
