Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

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 Mr. Patrick Finucane. The Government fully agrees with the family on the need for a public inquiry as recommended by Judge Peter Cory.

The British Government's current position is that it proposes to hold an inquiry under the UK Inquiries Act 2005. This is unacceptable to the Finucane family and to the Government. Both prior to and since the enactment of this legislation, the Government has raised its concern about this legislation with the British Government. This has been done directly by the Taoiseach in contact with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair.

The Government has also highlighted its concern in contact with the US authorities and at appropriate international fora, most recently at the 2005 session of the UN Commission on Human Rights and in regular interventions at the Council of Europe. In these forums and bilaterally we have made clear our belief 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 met the family in November and my officials remain in regular contact with them to offer every possible support. The Government will continue its strong efforts in support of the family's campaign for an independent public inquiry.

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