James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank Deputies Smith and Cowen for raising this important matter. In looking at how we can move forward, it is important to emphasise that the Garda criminal investigation remains open and any new information or evidence will be thoroughly investigated in Ireland and in Northern Ireland, with the assistance of the PSNI. As I said earlier, the Minister for Justice has sought an update on this case.

The programme for Government contains a commitment to work with the UK Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland to address the legacy of the Troubles through the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement framework. Officials in my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs are actively working on this commitment. Indeed, as the subject of the Barron report, the Belturbet bombing is included in the remit of the all-party motions calling on the UK Government to provide access to original documents. The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-party Dáil motions and has consistently raised the issue with the Government. Most recently, the Minister for Foreign Affairs raised the need for progress on this issue directly with the Secretary of State, Mr. Brandon Lewis, when he met him in Belfast in October. As Deputy Smith rightly pointed out, the Taoiseach stated this morning that he would pursue the matter with the British and Northern Irish authorities, recognising that the O'Reilly and Stanley families need closure. They also need to obtain the truth and as Deputy Smith said, it is never too late for that.

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