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

Let me address the question of the Birmingham bombings first. Obviously, there is an ongoing legal process in another jurisdiction. As Deputies will be aware, the senior coroner has ruled to resume the inquest into the bombings. This is a matter of the most serious and utmost concern for the families of the people killed in the Birmingham bombings in 1974. The reports on the Birmingham pub bombings remind us of the appalling violence inflicted during the Troubles, not just in Northern Ireland. As we heard yesterday, the pain and hurt of the victims' families and the survivors continues to this day. I understand the sentiment behind Deputy Brendan Howlin's comments. We make clear in the new programme for Government our commitment as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement to building on the substantial progress that has already been made and supporting the consolidation of peace in Northern Ireland so as to ensure we never return to the days of violence.

I am aware of the media reports that new information was submitted to the senior coroner during the process of considering whether to resume the Birmingham pub bombings inquest. She has decided to resume the inquest. It is not appropriate for me to comment further on that ongoing process, as it relates to another jurisdiction.

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