Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 11, inclusive, together.

I received the final report by the Commission of Investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974 from the sole member, Mr. Patrick MacEntee, SC QC, on 12 March last. Under the Commissions of Investigation Act, I was obliged to consider certain legal issues prior to publication. As such, I sought advice from the Attorney General, who considered these issues and advised that the report should be published in full. Accordingly, I brought the report to the Cabinet and published it on 4 April. The Government has considered the findings of the report carefully.

Although they relate to a difficult period in the past, Mr. MacEntee's findings with regard to shortcomings and omissions are a matter of serious concern. It should also be acknowledged that he found considerable improvements in administrative practice since that time. A full review has now been carried out of all systems and procedures in the relevant Departments and agencies to ensure that the failures found by Mr. MacEntee do not occur in the future.

In chapter 11 of his report, Mr. MacEntee stated that for legal reasons he was unable to report on one significant aspect of his terms of reference specifically relating to why the Garda Síochána did not follow up on a lead they had regarding a man who stayed in the Four Courts Hotel. Following dissolution of the commission of inquiry, the relevant confidential information remained subject to legal privilege. Its archive was transferred to my Department, where it is in secure storage.

Based on the legal advice of the Attorney General on this point, the Government decided to seek voluntary withdrawal of claims of privilege from those agencies, both here and in Britain, which provided the confidential material to the commission so that it could be shared with the relevant authorities in this State. Agreement has now been obtained from all those agencies and my Department has forwarded this documentation to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Garda Síochána for appropriate consideration.

Deputies are aware that I and my officials have consistently raised these issues with the British authorities, including at Prime Minister level, and will continue to do so. I recognise that victims' issues and dealing with the past are difficult, but it is important that we find a way to resolve this and allow people move on with their lives.

The total amount spent by the commission of investigation is €2,632,702. This amount breaks down as follows: €1,756,533 on legal costs; €351,410 on support staff; and €524,759 on set-up and administrative costs of the offices of the commission.

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