Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On a separate summit and collusion, in the past year or two, a large part of all the summits has been on collusion. Practically all the meeting on 30 January was on collusion. There were a few other items but most of it was on Nuala O'Loan's report, the Finucane case and other cases. We have continued to be very active on these issues as well as setting up the independent commission initially under the late Mr. Justice Hamilton and then under Mr. Justice Barron. We have referred all Mr. Justice Barron's reports to the Oireachtas sub-committee which, in turn, has done a commendable job in hearing the evidence, not least of the bereaved, and it is reporting promptly with very clear recommendations. We have acted on the recommendations of the Oireachtas sub-committee to date.

On matters entirely within the remit of the Government or public bodies within this State, we have established the commission of investigation into the 1974 bombings under Mr. Paddy MacEntee. When that work is complete, there are other issues relating to 1972 and 1973, the Ludlow murder and the bombings at Kay's Tavern, on which we will have to follow up. Where appropriate, action has been taken by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda to recognise and address the shortcomings identified in these reports.

In regard to some very important issues the co-operation of the British authorities is essential to the follow through. This is true in the case of a suggestion for a public inquiry. The Oireachtas sub-committee has recognised that as has the Government inquiry. We have been using all the appropriate means and efforts to ensure co-operation. We have raised the matter with the Prime Minister Mr. Blair on a number of occasions — back in early December and at the meeting at the end of January. To a certain extent, our continuing pressure on the British would seem to have borne fruit in terms of the co-operation with Mr. MacEntee's investigation. Clearly, we will have to wait for his final report.

On the Nuala O'Loan report, we have followed all aspects of that through because it is a more recent report. It is not the only one and we have highlighted all the issues and reports. The Deputy mentioned some later information which I do not have. However, I am sure it is being looked at by the Northern Ireland Office if it is in the public domain in Belfast.

I met the family of Eddie Fullerton. My office and officials have been following it through with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Garda because Councillor Fullerton was shot in this jurisdiction. There is the allegation that people crossed back over the Border. All those matters are being followed through for the family.

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