Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Were any of the files relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings withheld? On the wider issue of releasing files, given that any sensitive material — such as that relating to individuals, etc. — is withheld in any event and that information of a contemporary interest can be made available under the Freedom of Information Act, is there a good reason for retaining the 30-year rule? Many of the files which attract public attention and which are released under the 30-year rule relate to Northern Ireland. In light of the situation in the aftermath of the British-Irish Agreement, is there any reason all of the Cabinet files relating to Northern Ireland — albeit pruned down as happens under the 30-year rule — should not now be made available? Rather than releasing the 1979 files next year and the 1980 files the year after, all of the files relating to Northern Ireland could be made available in order that those studying the situation in the North would be able to examine them in their totality.

The position with regard to files relating to the management of the economy is similar. In light of current events, it probably would be instructive if information relating to the 1980s and 1990s were made available. Again, this could be pruned to remove material of a sensitive nature. We could also take this course of action in respect of files containing information on our relations with Europe. A period of 30 years is quite long and the information to which I refer belongs to a time which predates the Freedom of Information Act. Why is the 30-year rule being retained?

See this speech in context