Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 15, inclusive, together.

As Deputies know, I answered extensive questions in the House the week before last on the Commission of Investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings which is chaired by Mr. Paddy MacEntee SC. As I indicated then, I have now granted a further extension to Mr. MacEntee until 11 December. I published his latest interim report last week. While Mr. MacEntee's work is separate and independent, it stems from the first report of Mr. Justice Barron and it is therefore appropriate that I mention these exchanges in the context of today's questions.

I referred Mr. Justice Barron's final report on the bombing of Kay's Tavern in Dundalk in 1976, and other loyalist paramilitary attacks from that period, to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights prior to the end of the last Dáil session. The committee published the report upon receipt. The main focus of the report is the bombing of Kay's Tavern in Dundalk in 1976. Mr. Hugh Watters, aged 60, and Mr. Jack Rooney, aged 62, were both killed in the attack.

The report also makes reference to other attacks by loyalist paramilitaries around that time which the judge deems relevant in order to provide a broader context for his findings. These include the Castleblayney bombs, the Dublin Airport bomb and other bombings in the State. It also includes a number of attacks in Northern Ireland, including the attack on the Miami Showband, the attack on the Rock Bar, Keady, the attack on Donnelly's Bar, Silverbridge, attacks on the Reavey and O'Dowd families in south Armagh and the murders of Sean Farmer and Colm McCartney. It also refers to an explosion and murder at Barronrath Bridge, County Kildare.

I understand the committee held three days of public hearings, ending on 4 October, with interested persons, and is due to send its final report to both Houses by the deadline of 17 November. This final report completes the work of the Independent Commission of Inquiry which was first led by the late Mr. Justice Hamilton and subsequently by Mr. Justice Barron. I am very grateful for their work in trying to help bring justice to the victims of several horrific atrocities.

All of Mr. Justice Barron's reports have now been referred to the joint committee, which has in turn done a commendable job in hearing the evidence, not least of the bereaved, and in reporting promptly and with clear recommendations.

We have acted on the recommendations of the Oireachtas committee to date. On matters that are entirely within the remit of the Government or public bodies within the State, we established the commission of investigation into the 1974 bombings under Mr Paddy MacEntee SC. When that work is complete, we will address the recommendations from the second and third reports, which relate to the 1972 and 1973 bombings and the Ludlow murder. We will consider the recommendations of the report on the bombing of Kay's Tavern when the committee has made its final report.

Where appropriate, action has already been taken by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda to recognise and address shortcomings that were identified in the reports to date.

With regard to some very important issues, the co-operation of the British authorities is essential and the Oireachtas committee has recognised this. The Government has been using all appropriate means in its efforts to ensure that co-operation. I have raised the matter with Prime Minister Blair on a number of occasions and contacts with the British Government are ongoing.

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