Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The shooting of Aidan McAnespie in Aughnacloy near a checkpoint just over 30 years ago, in February 1988, was a tragedy for his family and friends. I extend my sympathy to them. I met the family in March to hear their views and concerns and I subsequently directed my officials to raise the matter with the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland.

Given the great public disquiet on both sides of the Border following the shooting, the Government requested that an inquiry be carried out. The then deputy garda commissioner, Mr. Eugene Crowley, was appointed to conduct the inquiry. Deputy Commissioner Crowley's report was submitted to the then Minister for Justice on 8 April 1988. A summary of the report's conclusions and a copy of the report relating to the post mortem carried out by Professor Harbison were provided previously to the McAnespie family. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, has provided further copies of these documents to the family’s representatives and is currently examining what options might be available to further assist the family. I have told the family that the Government will stay in contact with them as this progresses.

I am aware of the media coverage of the report to which the Deputy refers. This is undoubtedly another extremely difficult time for the family, who have been campaigning for the return of Mr. McAnespie's remains in full. I am sure all Deputies can agree with me that this painful Information must be made all the more distressing by the long time the family have had to wait for it.

Dealing with the legacy of the Troubles is complex and a challenging task for everyone. The Government remains fully committed to the framework of measures in the Stormont House Agreement as a means to seek to address the needs of the many victims and survivors and their families and to allow society to move forward from the legacy of the Troubles.

Victims and survivors have had to wait for far too long already for a suitable and effective system in Northern Ireland for dealing with legacy issues relating to the Troubles. In this context, I welcomed the launch earlier this month of the UK's public consultation on its draft legislation to implement the legacy aspects of the Stormont House Agreement.

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These institutions will provide a comprehensive way of addressing the painful legacy of the past in Northern Ireland, in order that victims and survivors can have their legitimate needs and expectations met.

I have also emphasised in discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties, the need to ensure that legacy inquests are properly resourced and I continue to raise this issue with the Secretary of State. I have urged all with responsibilities in relation to legacy inquests to move forward as quickly as possible to implement the helpful proposals of the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland.

On the Deputy's direct questions, we will try to establish the facts surrounding some of the issues the Deputy has outlined. I will ensure that the issue is raised with the appropriate authorities in Northern Ireland.

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