Deputy Ó Caoláin has raised a number of questions. The Government has now passed the proposals in regard to the commission. It will undertake a thorough investigation of the issues identified by the Oireachtas committee as appropriate for further investigation. They were as follows: why the Garda investigation into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings was wound down in 1974; why the Garda did not follow up on the various leads; the information that the white van with an English registration plate was parked outside the Department of Posts & Telegraphs in Portland Row was later seen parked in the deep sea area of the B & I ferry in Dublin; the subsequent contact made with a British army officer on a ferry boat leaving the port; the information relating to a man who stayed in the Four Courts Hotel between 15 and 17 May 1974; his contacts with the UVF; the information concerning a British army corporal allegedly sighted in Dublin at the time of the bombings; and the exact documentation — departmental and Garda intelligence and any other documentation of relevance that is accounted for; the reasons explaining the missing documentation; whether it can be located; and whether the systems currently in place are adequate to prevent a recurrence. The terms of reference will be discussed with the commission when appointed and I expect the commission would consult with the interested parties. That is the first part. I have met the families of the victims of the 1974 bombings and their legal representatives. I have given them the information and the data and I said that the commission, when it is set up, should talk to their representatives about any concerns they have. They have also given to my officials suggestions about some of the workings that will be done.
Regarding the response of the British to the other matters in the Oireachtas report, which was raised here during a previous Question Time and on which there was also some discussion from Parliament to Parliament, I do not have a response.
Regarding the other bombings which were the subject of the second report, I have met the relatives of the two deceased from both the Pettigo and the Cavan bombings, and the families from Clara. That report is now with the committee. The third report, the Seamus Ludlow report, is now with the Government. That will go through a process in the Attorney General's office and will then be published. I do not think there will be any changes to it. We are awaiting the fourth report.
Regarding Mr. Justice Barron's comments on the 1972 and 1973 bombings, we raised that issue with the Prime Minister in his office in Sedgefield some weeks ago. We also put our concerns in writing to the British on 17 November. These matters are now in their system and I hope we will get some responses to that, but not at this stage.