Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I raised the question of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings when I met the British Prime Minister in April and again when I met him on the occasion of the state visit here by Queen Elizabeth II. Obviously everybody recognises the sensitivity of this, including all of the issues surrounding the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, without getting into endless open-ended inquiries. A recent Dáil motion acknowledged that we are approaching this task in the context of transformed relations on this island and between Ireland and Britain. We still have many sensitive issues to deal with towards finding a resolution. However, as the Deputy knows, we do so on the basis of partnership in a very different way.

There were two significant and lengthy inquiries by the judges, the Hamilton and Barron inquiries, thorough examination by an Oireachtas committee and a full commission of investigation conducted by Patrick MacEntee. I understand the cost of the Barron inquiry came to €3.5 million and the total cost of the MacEntee commission was €2.6 million. There were very significant and lengthy inquiries by those two gentlemen. The Pat Finucane case also arose in the context of my discussions with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron. I understand the British Government is continuing to consider how this matter might be resolved. I have not had any communication with Britain since then.

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