James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this very important and serious matter. The bombing of Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was an appalling and callous act of violence that claimed the lives of two innocent young people and injured others. The pain and anguish caused was very evident in the television programme broadcast last night as family members recalled the events that took their loved ones away. The dreadful effects of this attack last to this day and the suffering of those who have lost what was most precious to them goes on. That the perpetrators of this atrocity have never been held accountable for their crimes can only compound that sense of loss.

My deepest sympathies go out to the bereaved and injured and it is my firm desire that the perpetrators will face justice and the families find the answers they seek. I know the Deputies and the entire House share this sentiment. As the Deputies will be aware, the Garda authorities have previously advised that the bombing and the murders were comprehensively investigated by An Garda Síochána at the time. The Defence Forces provided expert assistance and the investigation involved close liaison with the authorities in Northern Ireland. Despite every avenue of inquiry being pursued at the time, there was insufficient evidence to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. The investigation into the bombing and the two murders has not been closed and An Garda Síochána will pursue any new evidence or information that is made available. Of course An Garda Síochána would work in close co-operation with the PSNI where that could advance the investigation.

Following the Debate in the House in September, the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, arranged for a copy of the academic article referred to by Deputy Smith, which concerned inter alia the Belturbet bombing and information on a potential suspect, to be forwarded to the Garda authorities for attention. The Minister has also requested an update from the Garda authorities on the investigation. I appeal for anybody with any information that may be relevant to this case, even after nearly 50 years, to bring it to the attention of the Garda authorities to aid their investigation.

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