Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Yes. It is an ongoing matter. We will never get to the bottom of — to the truth of — many things that happened during the Troubles, unfortunately. I refer not only to the matters raised by the Deputy, but also to a range of other issues of equal concern.

I do not suggest that this is not a matter of import. I do not mean to lessen in any way the importance of the all-party motion that was passed by the Dáil. The Government and its predecessor instigated mechanisms and procedures to seek to address the issues that arose during the Troubles to the greatest extent possible. I was personally acquainted with one of the people who were murdered in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. I am not unaware of the situation. We will continue to pursue this matter as best we can. There is always ongoing contact between the two Governments on these issues. While we are disappointed with the response we have received to date, we will continue our efforts, as I have said. We will continue to see how we can bring this matter forward.

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