Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

This debate has provided a valuable opportunity for the House to once again not only express solidarity with the families of the victims of those dreadful bombings but to restate the united position of this House with regard to production of information and documents.

In July 2008, the Dáil unanimously adopted a motion urging the British Government to allow access to original documents held by it relating to the atrocities inquired into by Judge Barron. It directed the Clerk of the Dáil to request the matter be considered by the House of Commons. Seanad Éireann passed a unanimous motion in similar terms in February 2012. The Dáil restated its position on this matter when it adopted a unanimous position in a Private Members' motion in May 2011. Representatives of the previous and current Government have raised this matter with the British Government so far, unfortunately, without success. The Tánaiste has previously raised the matter with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who has indicated the British Government was not in a position to accede to the request. The Taoiseach has raised the matter with the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, as recently as their meeting during St. Patrick's week earlier this year.

Today's exchange has provided an opportunity to reaffirm the united position which the House adopted with regard to this important issue. It is essential we continue to maintain that united front and I assure the Deputy the Government will continue to raise this issue at every opportunity with the British Government and its members.

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