Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Ceann Comhairle giving us an opportunity to raise this important issue, which is one of concern also to the Acting Chairman, Deputy Joe O'Reilly. It has been raised by our constituency colleague, Senator Diarmuid Wilson, in the Seanad on a number of occasions.

Bombs in Monaghan and Dublin on 17 May 1974 resulted in the deaths of 33 civilians and the wounding of almost 300 people. Those atrocities resulted in the highest number of casualties on any one day during that very difficult era commonly referred to as "the Troubles". The UVF, a loyalist paramilitary group, claimed responsibility for the bombings, but there are credible allegations that elements of the British security forces colluded with the UVF in the bombings. Some years ago, the Oireachtas joint committee with responsibility for justice affairs called the bombings an act of international terrorism. Six years ago, the then Government Chief Whip, Pat Carey, moved a motion on the matter which received the unanimous support of all parties and Members in the House. A similar motion was also passed in May 2011. By way of the motions, the House requested the British Government to allow access by an independent international judicial figure to all original documents held by the British Government relating to the atrocities that occurred in this jurisdiction and which were inquired into by Mr. Justice Barron. Those requests from this House - this sovereign Parliament - have fallen on deaf ears.

More than 40 years on, it is high time for the British Government to respond in a responsible way to our request. Minimum co-operation is not acceptable. We demand and must receive maximum co-operation from the British Government. The release of the files would permit the assessment of the documents to assist in the resolution of these awful crimes which continue to scar our country. The concerns, grief and untold hardship endured by so many families must be our uppermost concern. I note from all of the meetings and conversations I have had with the families of the victims that all they want is the truth. Indeed, it is a very basic request from families who continue to suffer owing to the deaths of loved ones as well as for the many who had injuries inflicted on them on that day of carnage.

Deputy Finian McGrath asked me to convey to the House that he is unable to come and contribute to the debate this evening.

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