Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 February 2006
164 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he proposes to take to secure such an adequate, transparent public inquiry as would meet the requirements of international law, from the Government of the United Kingdom in relation to the murder of Pat Finucane. [7008/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to today's priority question on this case.
The House will be aware of the support which the Government has given to the Finucane family in its long campaign for an independent public inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane. We fully agree with it on the need for a public inquiry as recommended by Judge Peter Cory.
As the Deputy is aware the British Government's current position is that it proposes to hold the inquiry under the UK Inquiries Act 2005. This is unacceptable to the Finucane family. Both prior to, and since the enactment of this legislation, the Government raised its concerns about it with the British Government, including directly by the Taoiseach in contacts with Prime Minister Blair.
The Government has also highlighted our difficulties with the legislation in contacts with the US authorities and the appropriate international fora such as the UN Human Rights Committee and at the Council of Europe. The simple reality is that an inquiry under this Act would not be in line with the commitment made by the Governments at Weston Park, nor with the recommendations of Judge Cory.
I have continued to raise our concerns about the case with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and will continue to do so. I met the family in November and my officials remain in contact with it to offer every support necessary. I assure the Deputy that the Government will continue its efforts bilaterally in support of the family's campaign.
