Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The case of the death of Private Doherty, as well as the disappearance of Private Joyce to which the Deputy refers, has already been outlined in my reply to a priority question earlier. As I mentioned to the Deputy in the Dáil last month, I am always willing to meet the families. I received a request to meet with the family and my office has been in touch with them in this regard. However, following my examination of documents received, I required clarity on several issues and have asked the military authorities to have a number of documents reviewed by the Army’s Provost Marshal. Once I receive a report on this, I plan to meet members of Private Doherty’s family, as requested by them, at a mutually convenient time and date.

I took some time to read through the extensive documentation that was furnished to me regarding matters of relevance and in respect of which some concerns have been expressed. When my life in this House calms down slightly, I hope to be able to meet with the families. Having read all the papers about which I raised queries and which I expect to receive responses to in the not-too-distant future, I hope it will prove possible to have a meeting, if not this side of Easter, then shortly after the Easter vacation. I do not know if it will prove possible to do it this side of Easter because of various demands and commitments. I assure the Deputy a meeting will take place all the same.

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