Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, together.

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 and Monaghan bombings, 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. The appointment was made on 26 April 2005. The amount spent by the commission of investigation to date is €1,822,266, of which €1,155,223 has been spent on legal costs, with the balance of €667,043 going towards the cost of support staff and the administrative cost of the offices of the commission. These costs are well below those associated with a tribunal of inquiry.

I have granted five extensions to the timeframe for the completion of the report from the original date of 14 November 2005. The most recent extension was until 31 October 2006. I have published the five interim reports provided by Mr. MacEntee as required by the legislation and placed copies in the Oireachtas Library.

Yesterday, Mr. MacEntee met officials from my Department, at his request, to discuss administrative arrangements for the completion of his work and publication of the report. In the course of that meeting, he indicated he is likely to seek a further extension. The period of that extension is not yet known. However, he indicated it may be up to six weeks. Both he and I are conscious of the importance, if at all possible, of the report being available while the House is sitting. I expect to receive a formal written request for an extension and a further interim report later this week. I will know the full reasons for the requested extension at that time.

I understand that Mr. MacEntee has completed his investigations and that this further period is required to deal with the final arrangements which the commission is obliged to comply with under the Commissions of Investigation Act. Subject to formal consideration of the matter when I receive a written request and further interim report I am minded to grant that extension once it has been requested. As with all previous interim reports, I will bring it to the attention of the Government and then publish it.

I acknowledge that waiting a further period before the final report is available is difficult for the victims and survivors of these terrible atrocities. Nonetheless, I believe they will agree on the importance of Mr. MacEntee being allowed sufficient time to properly consider and deal with the conclusion of the work of the commission.

I acknowledge the work which Mr. MacEntee has done to date. I am not, of course, in a position to comment on his ongoing work as he is independent.

The Government has been using all appropriate means in its efforts to ensure co-operation from the British Government on this matter. I have raised it with the Prime Minister on a number of occasions and it is frequently raised by senior officials in their contacts. It is clear from his earlier interim reports that Mr. MacEntee has received some co-operation from the British Government and I welcome that development.

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