Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.

On 26 April 2005, the Government appointed Mr. Patrick MacEntee SC as sole member of a commission of investigation to examine specific matters relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974, including aspects of the Garda investigation and missing documentation. This was in accordance with the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights which considered the Barron report on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings.

As the House knows, I previously granted three extensions of the timeframe for the completion of the report, from 14 November 2005 to 31 January 2006, again to 28 February 2006 and then again to 31 May 2006. I also published the three interim reports from Mr. MacEntee and placed copies in the Oireachtas Library.

At the end of May, Mr. MacEntee informed me that more time was required to complete the inquiry to pursue a new line of investigation which has arisen. He therefore requested a further extension of the timeframe until 31 July 2006, which I have granted. He also provided me with a further fourth interim report, as required by the legislation. I have published that report and have placed copies in the Oireachtas Library. It is clear from this fourth interim report that Mr. MacEntee requires more time to pursue specific inquiries as there remain important opportunities to advance the investigation that might otherwise be lost. It is for that reason that I have granted the additional extension.

It is, of course, unfortunate that the victims and survivors of these terrible atrocities will have to wait a further period before the final report is available. However, I believe they will agree on the importance of Mr. MacEntee being allowed sufficient time to pursue any lines of inquiry that he deems relevant.

I am grateful to Mr. MacEntee for the work he has completed to date. As he is independent, I am not in a position to comment on his ongoing work.

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