Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I object to the questions being taken together in this manner as the issue addressed in Question No. 8 is separate from issues related to the North-South bodies and various meetings the Taoiseach is having. A wide range of issues have been lumped together in this group.

On the question as to whether the Taoiseach continues to pursue the release of files by the British Government on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, on the most recent occasion the House discussed this issue the Taoiseach effectively threw his arms in the air and stated he could not do anything more on the matter. I suggest he can do a great deal. This issue is fast becoming a major test of the new British Government's goodwill towards peace and reconciliation. It is not one that can be left to lie or fester. If both Governments are willing to show complete openness, we can keep the high moral ground against those who murdered for nearly three decades and continue to hide the truth of their activities.

If the British Government refuses to hand over the relevant files, will the Taoiseach consider supporting the families of the victims of the bombings in taking a case in the British and European courts in pursuit of this issue? The failure and refusal to provide the files in question is a denial of their human right to justice. Does the Taoiseach have any plans or does he intend to take any initiative to move this issue from one of talk and comment to one of action, particularly if the British Government refuses to stop what essentially amounts to a cover-up on this very important issue, the largest atrocity that took place on this island? I propose to address the other questions later.

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