Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach referred to Mr. Justice Barron's inquiry as being comprehensive. Does the Taoiseach agree that while Mr. Justice Barron has unquestionably pursued the issues diligently, it could hardly be described as being comprehensive, given the withholding of critical information by the British Government, as well as the failure to establish the whereabouts of critical files and documentation in this jurisdiction?

In that light, can the Taoiseach tell the House whether the former Minister for Justice, Mr. Patrick Cooney, was asked to co-operate with the McEntee investigation and if so, has he co-operated? Has the Taoiseach's Department also been asked to co-operate? Can he advise the House in this respect?

Given the Taoiseach's response regarding the Attorney General's opinion in the light of the experience of the Justice for the Forgotten group's European action, what other international action might he consider? Is there any avenue to address this matter through the United Nations?

A sum of €9 million was provided for the remembrance fund set up in respect of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and all the other matters arising therefrom. Is the Taoiseach aware that this scheme, which was set up to assist people who were either injured or bereaved in the course of the conflict, is due to end in December 2006? Can he advise Members as to how much has been paid out from the remembrance fund? Does he agree that the promotion of the fund was extremely slow? I understand that the take-up has not been great, due to the lack of information and awareness. If the Taoiseach concurs with this view, given that we have entered the last 12 months of the fund's intended lifespan, will he now embark on a more proactive advertisement of the scheme, including the use of broadcast media, which would give all the salient information, so that deserving people may apply for and avail of the fund?

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