Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

Judge Barron prepared reports on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, 1974; the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973; the murder of Seamus Ludlow and the bombing of Kay's Tavern, Dundalk. The work of the commission of inquiry began in January 2000. Judge Barron completed his work in July 2006. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights considered all of his reports.

The Government appointed Mr. Patrick McEntee, senior counsel, as sole member of a commission of investigation to examine specific matters relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974, including aspects of the Garda investigation and missing documentation. Mr. McEntee handed over his final report on 12 March 2007. It was published on 4 April 2007.

Following dissolution of the commission of investigation, the relevant confidential information remained subject to legal privilege. Its archive was transferred to my Department, where it is in secure storage.

Following the recommendations of the joint committee, we held a debate on collusion in the House last year and passed a motion relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings on 10 July last. Arising from that motion, I understand the Clerk of the Dáil communicated the text of the resolution to the House of Commons, together with the report of the commission of inquiry and the Barron reports, and received a reply from the Clerk of the House of Commons. Any follow up to this should be considered in consultation with the parties and I understand the matter has been raised with the Whips.

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