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

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this very important matter. On many occasions in this House and at Oireachtas committee meetings I have highlighted the need for further investigation into the bombing at Belturbet on 28 December 1972. Sadly, two teenagers, Geraldine O'Reilly and Paddy Stanley, lost their lives due to that heinous crime and many others were injured as well. Nobody has ever been brought to justice for these murders.

A full, thorough and comprehensive investigation of this atrocity is needed in Northern Ireland. The bomb that had such devastating consequences was brought across the Border from County Fermanagh. Every possible avenue of investigation needs to bring to justice the perpetrators of this horrendous crime.

At oral questions for the Minister for Justice on 10 September, I referenced the detailed report by assistant professor Dr. Edward Burke of the University of Nottingham on the activities of loyalist paramilitaries, particularly in Cavan and Monaghan. It is clear there was collusion between some British state forces and loyalist paramilitaries in their attacks in Cavan and Monaghan. I compliment "RTÉ Investigates" on the recent excellent documentary on the events concerning that fatal night in Belturbet. That programme has quite rightly won widespread acclaim.

The O'Reilly and Stanley families, whom I know very well, have always been so dignified and gracious but they continue to suffer a great deal due to the cruel loss of their loved ones. The least they deserve is to get the truth about the identity of those people involved with planning and carrying out that bombing.

The very important publication, Lost Lives: The Stories of the Men, Women and Children who Died as a Result of the Northern Ireland Troubles, references the reliable sources who attribute this bombing to the Ulster Volunteer Force, UVF. So much has been known over the years but, very regrettably due to lack of co-operation and a thorough investigation in Northern Ireland, no prosecutions have followed.

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