Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this issue. Only a few short weeks ago, we saw the 40th anniversary of the savage bombings in Dublin and Monaghan which resulted in the tragic loss of life and injury referred to by the Deputies. On that day in May 1974, three bombs exploded around Dublin during the busy evening rush hour, including one not far from where we are now. Approximately 90 minutes later, another bomb exploded in Monaghan town. As a result of these brutal bombings, 33 people were killed and over a hundred people suffered injuries. While the passage of 40 years may have eased the pain of the families of those killed and injured to some small degree, we must always remember that they have had to bear the consequences of their injuries and the grief of those tragic events. Their suffering has not gone away and the memory of their loved ones lives on with them and will do so forever.

The late Mr. Justice Henry Barron carried out a detailed and painstaking inquiry into those awful events and, indeed, other atrocities between 1972 and 1976 in which so many innocent people lost their lives. Related matters were also investigated by a commission of investigation led by Patrick McEntee SC. While acknowledging co­operation received from the British authorities, both the Barron and McEntee inquiries concluded that they had been limited somewhat by not having access to certain British Government documents which may be relevant to their terms of reference. This House and the Seanad have unanimously called on the British Government to make this documentation available. It is a matter of regret that, to date, it has not proved possible for access to be made available to such documentation as may exist.

As he has stated to the House, the Taoiseach has raised the matter directly with the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron. The matter has also been raised by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers. The Government remains in discussions with the British Government in support of the families' request for access to documentation.

Dealing with the legacy of conflict and facing up to the past is not an easy task and there is no ready formula of words or set of actions that can put things right. The House will be aware that work is ongoing to try to find ways to address the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland.

Although there is no easy resolution to the complexity of addressing the past, as is clear from recent events in Northern Ireland, the Government remains strongly committed to working in partnership with the British Government and with the parties in the Northern Ireland Executive to find a way forward. It is a challenge that the two Governments and the Executive are determined and willing to undertake. That said, it is also a challenge that all of those who were party to the conflict must also be willing to take up.

The Good Friday Agreement recognised the special position of victims and, in remembering the victims and their families, we should be strengthened in our resolve to construct a changed society in the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. As we seek to build a better future for all communities on the island and those who live on the neighbouring island, we cannot forget those who died, those who were injured and those left behind to mourn the loss of their loved ones.

As in the past, this House is unanimous in its message to the British Government to make the relevant documentation available. I hope we can also send a message of solidarity to the families of those who were so tragically killed in Dublin and Monaghan and to the families of all those who lost their lives in the conflict.

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