Speech by Frances Fitzgerald T.D, Minister for Justice and Equality re the need to ensure the full disclose by the British Government of Documentation regarding the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings

Request for debate on the Dublin/Monaghan Bombing and the 6th Anniversary of the Oireachtas Motion calling for full Disclosure
Deputy McGrath

The need to update Dáil Éireann on the response of the British Government to the unanimous Motions passed in Dáil Éireann in July 2008 and May 2011 requesting the British Authorities to provide access to all documentation relating to the bombings in Dublin and Monaghan on May 17 1974.
Deputy Smith

The need for the British Government to provide full disclosure on all information relevant to the Dublin/Monaghan bombing as agreed by the Oireachtas 6 years ago.
Deputy Pringle

That a government Minister provides an update on progress to have the British Government provide full disclosure on all information relevant to the Dublin/Monaghan bombing as agreed by the Oireachtas 6 years ago to the day
Deputy Crowe

That a government Minister provides an update on progress to have the British Government provide full disclosure on all information relevant to the Dublin/Monaghan bombing as agreed by the Oireachtas 6 years ago to the day.
Deputy Calleary

Speech by Minister:

I thank the Deputies for raising this issue in the House today.

Only a few short weeks ago we saw the 40th anniversary of the savage bombings in Dublin and Monaghan and the tragic loss of life and injuries that resulted.

On that day in May 1974, three bombs exploded around Dublin in the busy evening rush hour, including not far from where we are now. Then, about 90 minutes later, another bomb exploded in Monaghan Town.

Thirty-three people were killed and over a hundred people suffered injuries in these brutal bombings.

While the passage of those 40 years may have eased the pain of the families of those killed and injured to some small degree, we must always remember that they have had to bear the consequences of their injuries and the grief of those tragic events. Their suffering has not gone away and the memory of their loved ones lives on with them and will do so forever.

The late Mr. Justice Henry Barron carried out a detailed and painstaking inquiry into those awful events and, indeed, other atrocities that took place between 1972 and 1976 in which so many innocent people lost their lives. Related matters were also investigated by a Commission of Investigation carried out by Patrick McEntee SC. While acknowledging co-operation received from the British authorities, both the Barron and McEntee inquiries concluded that they had been limited somewhat by not having access to certain British Government documents which may be relevant to their terms of reference.
This House and Seanad Éireann have unanimously called on the British Government to make this documentation available. It is a matter of regret that, to date, it has not proved possible for access to be made available to such documentation as may exist.

The Taoiseach, as he has stated to this House, has raised the matter directly with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron and the matter has also been raised by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. The Government remains in discussions with the British Government in support of the families’ request for access to documentation.

Dealing with the legacy of conflict and facing up to the past is not an easy task and there is no ready formula of words or set of actions that can put things right. The House will be aware that work is ongoing to try to find ways to address the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

Although there is no easy resolution to the complexity of addressing the past, as is clear from recent events in Northern Ireland, the Government remains strongly committed to working in partnership with the British Government and with the parties in the Northern Ireland Executive to find a way forward. It is a challenge that the two Governments and the Executive are determined and willing to undertake. That said it is also a challenge that all of those who were party to the conflict must also be willing to take up.

The Good Friday Agreement recognised the special position of victims and in remembering the victims and their families; we should be strengthened in our resolve to construct a changed society in the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. As we seek to build a better future for all communities on this island and those who live on the neighbouring island, we can not forget those who died, those who were injured and those left behind to mourn the loss of their loved ones.

As in the past, this House is unanimous in its message to the British Government to make the relevant documentation available. I hope we can also send a message of solidarity to the families of those who were so tragically killed in Dublin and Monaghan and, indeed, to the families of all those who lost their lives in the conflict.