Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

There is no change in the State's position on this but a new defence has been lodged based on the undertakings of confidentiality that have been given by third parties. However, for any public inquiry to succeed, it is clear the co-operation of the British authorities is essential and the Oireachtas committee has acknowledged that. We have used all the appropriate means to ensure such co-operation and a public inquiry in this State without the co-operation of the British Government will not resolve the outstanding questions. In the final analysis, as the Oireachtas joint committee said, questions relating to allegations such as this can only be dealt with by the British Government.

Two issues arise in the Ludlow case. We had a useful, lengthy meeting with family representatives where a great deal of information, many assessments, including what emerged at the Barron commission, and other data were exchanged. The first issue is to try to get the chief superintendent to bring the reinvestigation of the case to fruition. That is due to finish this month and I am awaiting the report. The second issue is a public inquiry here. In fairness to the family representatives, they were only seeking a brief, focused and narrow procedural inquiry. The question is whether that can be formulated. The family, myself and the legal representative did not want to open this up. The legal representative asked to meet the Attorney General in his office to see if it is possible to achieve a narrow framework and tight procedural deadlines. That meeting has taken place but there are ongoing issues. I inquired about this yesterday and I understand discussions have taken place. Contacts are continuing but the Attorney General is not convinced at this stage that that kind of narrow focused inquiry with definite guidelines can be achieved. That is our advice for now.

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