Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

There was some criticism that I took all these inquiries together, so I took a full session on the Finucane case here two weeks ago. I will not say anything further on the matter today. There is nothing new to add.

On the independent commissions of inquiry, first we went through the reports under the late Mr. Justice Hamilton and then Mr. Justice Barron. I am very grateful for their work in bringing justice to the victims of several of these horrific atrocities. As has been stated by Deputy Rabbitte, we have referred three reports to the Oireachtas committee, which has in turn done a very commendable job in hearing evidence, not least from the bereaved and families. It has reported promptly with clear recommendations, and that has been very helpful.

We will refer the fourth and final report into the Dundalk bombing of 1975 to the committee very shortly. I mentioned related matters, such as attacks on the Miami Showband; the Rock Bar, Keady; Donnelly's Bar, Silverbridge; the Reavey and O'Dowd families; John Farmer and Colm McCartney; and at Ballinrath Bridge in County Kildare. It is a matter for the committee, but the intention of the committee is to work on these in September, to the best of my knowledge. It is a matter solely for the committee.

We have acted on the recommendations of the Oireachtas committee on matters that are entirely within the remit of the Government or public bodies within the State. One of those is the commission of investigation into the 1974 bombings under Mr. Paddy MacEntee. When the work is complete we will address the recommendations from the second and third reports relating to the 1972 and 1973 bombings and the Ludlow murder.

Appropriate action may be taken by Ministers and the Garda, and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may need to recognise and address shortcomings identified in any reports. On some very important issues, the co-operation of the British authorities is essential. The committee has recognised that, and the Government has been issued all appropriate means in its efforts to ensure co-operation. I have raised the matter with Prime Minister Blair and the Northern Ireland Secretary on many occasions. All of this has led to Mr. MacEntee's ongoing work and his requirements for extensions.

With regard to Deputy Ó Caoláin's question on timing, it is my intention to publish the report as soon as possible after I receive it. Under legislation I am required by law to consider certain issues prior to publication. These involve requesting legal advice from the Attorney General and submitting the report to the Cabinet prior to publication. The timescale involved between the receipt of the report and publication is impossible to estimate in advance. I wish to publish the report as quickly as possible.

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