James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter. Almost 50 years ago, bombs exploded at Belturbet, Clones and Pettigo. In Belturbet, this callous act of violence claimed the lives of two innocent young people - Geraldine O'Reilly and Patrick Stanley - and injured others. My deepest sympathies go out to the bereaved and the injured.

The dreadful effects of this attack last to this day. 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 the sense of loss.

As the Deputy will be aware, the bombing and murders were comprehensively investigated by An Garda Síochána at the time but there was insufficient evidence to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Garda authorities have continually confirmed that 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.

The recent announcement that An Garda Síochána has identified a number of lines of inquiry following a review of the Belturbet bombing investigation has to be welcomed. A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Ballyconnell Garda station.

While almost 50 years have passed, hope remains for victims and their families that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. I assure the Deputy that the appalling events of that day are very much in our thoughts and engagement will continue with the Garda Commissioner in relation to progress in this investigation.

An Garda Síochána issued an appeal on 18 October for anyone with information in relation to the bombing to make contact. Today, I make the same plea for anybody with any information that may be relevant to this case to bring it to the attention of the Garda authorities to aid their investigation.

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