Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2015
97. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has had any connect with the Police Ombudsman's office in the North which is carrying out an investigation into the bomb attack at Kay’s Tavern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45472/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra98. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will implement the recommendations of the Oireachtas final report on the report of the independent commission of inquiry into the bombing of Kay's Tavern on Crowe Street in Dundalk on 19 December 1975; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45473/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra99. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she accepts the conclusion of the Oireachtas final report on the report of the independent commission of inquiry into the bombing of Kay's Tavern, on Crowe Street in Dundalk on 19 December 1975 that there was widespread collusion between British State forces and Unionist paramilitaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45474/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra100. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she accepts the conclusion of the Oireachtas final report on the report of the independent commission of inquiry into the bombing of Kay's Tavern on Crowe Street in Dundalk on 19 December 1975 that it will lead to a commission of inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45475/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will establish a commission of investigation into the bombing of Kay’s Tavern on Crowe Street in Dundalk on 19 December 1975. [45476/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she accepts the conclusion of the Oireachtas final report on the report of the independent commission of inquiry into the bombing of Kay's Tavern that there was sufficient information available to the Government that British security personnel were working with and as loyalist paramilitaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45477/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she accepts the conclusion of the Oireachtas final report on the report of the independent commission of inquiry into the bombing of Kay's Tavern that more should have been done by the State to assist victims of the atrocities and that they should not have been left in a position where they legitimately felt they had been forgotten about; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45478/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will request An Garda Síochána to meet the families of the victims of the bomb attack at Kay's Tavern and other incidents covered by the reports of the Barron Commission and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights; if An Garda Síochána will brief the families on the current status of its investigations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45479/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 to 104, inclusive, together.
The bombing at Crowe Street in Dundalk on 19 December 1975 was a brutal and indiscriminate attack. Two men, Hugh Watters and Jack Rooney, were killed when a car bomb exploded outside a licensed premises known as Kay’s Tavern and many more people were injured by the explosion. As we approach the fortieth anniversary of this bombing our thoughts are with the families of those who were killed and those who were injured. I extend my sincere sympathies to all of the victims of this attack.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that an extensive criminal investigation was carried out at the time of this attack - indeed this is set out in detail in the Barron Inquiry Report - and that it has been comprehensively reviewed subsequently. It is a matter of regret that nobody has been held accountable for this crime. However, the Garda investigation file remains open and any new or additional evidence will be pursued fully.
This bombing was among a number of incidents that were the subject of a comprehensive inquiry conducted by the late Mr Justice Henry Barron and considered subsequently by a sub-committee of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights. The Barron Inquiry concluded that the bombing was carried out by loyalist extremists who were most probably associated with the Mid-Ulster UVF. This bombing is one among a number of troubles-related violent incidents, including killings, in respect of which allegations have been made of collusion between security forces and paramilitary groups.
I have requested the Garda Commissioner to provide me with a report on the current situation and on any developments with regard to the bombing and the Garda investigation and I will communicate further with the Deputy when that is to hand.
