Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
29. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for further discussions with the British foreign secretary and the secretary of state for Northern Ireland on the need for the British government to respond positively and without further delay to the unanimous requests of Dáil Éireann regarding the Monaghan and Dublin bombings of May 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11117/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if there has been any recent substantive response from the British authorities in relation to the unanimous motions passed by Dáil Éireann concerning the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11118/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 35 together.
The implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings continues to be a priority, in fulfillment of the Programme for a Partnership Government. The continuing absence of a substantive response from the British government on these motions is a matter of concern and is an issue I consistently raise with UK Ministers.
At the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in November, I raised the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I reminded him of the need for a considered response with a view to ensuring access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the case. In correspondence earlier this year, I highlighted to the Secretary of State the upcoming 50th anniversary of the bombings.
I am conscious that the work of the Operation Denton investigation is very relevant to a number of cases North and South, including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. I met with the then lead investigator, Mr. Jon Boucher, and officials from my Department have met with his successor, Sir Iain Livingston, to hear about their work and that of the Denton team. It is to be hoped that the anticipated report of the Operation Denton investigation will contribute to the long process of justice, truth and acknowledgement for the victims and survivors.
Last year I attended a very moving and powerful memorial in Dublin on 17 May hosted by Justice for the Forgotten remembering those that lost their lives in the Dublin attacks and to meet with the families of those killed and injured. I assured those families that the Government is actively pursuing the implementation of the all-Party Dáil motions. Justice for the Forgotten is an organisation which supports families affected by the Dublin and Monaghan bombs, and is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs' Reconciliation Fund.
This year as we prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of the appalling attacks of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings I am acutely aware that families have waited too long for answers. The Government will continue to seek the full facts of the events of 17 May 1974 and of other attacks in this jurisdiction during the Troubles.
