Dáil debates
Wednesday, 14 December 2022
Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate
Garda Investigations
8:55 pm
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
The 50th anniversary of the bombings at Belturbet in County Cavan, Clones in County Monaghan and Pettigo in County Donegal will be marked on 28 December. The three bombs exploded within 49 minutes of each other. It is widely believed that the UVF in conjunction with British state agents were responsible for the attack. Nobody has ever been held to account.
For many years, the response of this State to the bombings was silence but thanks to the efforts of families, local communities and the organisation, Justice for the Forgotten, a focus of sorts has been put on these incidents. In October 2022, An Garda Síochána issued a renewed appeal for information, which I welcome. There were two victims of the Belturbet bombing - 16-year-old Patrick Stanley from Clara in County Offaly, survived by his parents Teresa and Joe, now deceased, and nine siblings; and 15-year-old Geraldine O'Reilly from Drumacon, Staghall, Belturbet. She left her parents Mary Kate and Joseph, also both sadly deceased, and seven siblings bereaved.
The official record states that there were no fatalities from the bombings at Pettigo and Fermanagh Street in Clones but that does not tell the full story. A local Clones man, Paddy McCabe, was one of those who came to assist in the clear-up operation after the explosion. He was working on the roof of the building that was damaged by the bomb when he had a fall that resulted in his death. The Clones bombing was directly related to his death, although he has never been recognised as a victim of the bombing, but the impact on his family was as profound as that on any victims of the conflict. Paddy left behind his beloved wife Vera to be the sole carer of their eight children, then aged from two to 14 years. They lost their husband and father and their lives would never be the same again. It was a direct result of the Clones bombing but because he was never recognised as such, Paddy's family was denied supports and resources that might otherwise have been made available.
I recently had the opportunity, alongside Councillor Pat Traynor and the Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Seán Conlon, to meet some of Paddy McCabe's now grown-up children. They had two requests. The first was that they be informed of all developments in the Garda investigation into the bombings at Clones, Belturbet and Pettigo and that they be considered interested parties for updates on the case. I am pleased that following my correspondence with An Garda Síochána, I am informed a Garda has been assigned as a liaison for the family.
Second, they sought long-denied recognition that the loss of their father was a consequence of the Clones bombing. This is why I welcome the opportunity to record the name of Paddy McCabe in the record of the Dáil tonight as a victim of the Clones bombing. I ask the Minister to join me in extending condolences to the family of Paddy McCabe alongside the families of Patrick Stanley and Geraldine O'Reilly as we approach the 50th anniversary of their deaths.
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | 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.
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I thank the Minister of State for the update on the investigation. I ask him to give an assurance that he will endeavour to consistently update the families of the two victims he mentioned, Geraldine O'Reilly and Patrick Stanley, and the family of Paddy McCabe regarding any progress in that investigation. Will he also ensure that Justice for the Forgotten continues to be recognised for the fantastic work it has done on behalf of families in Monaghan, Dublin, Belturbet, Clones, Castleblayney, Pettigo and many other victims of bombings who were long forgotten? It was that organisation alongside the families and local communities that ensured these lost lives were consistently remembered at a time when many seemed too willing to forget.
Will the Minister of State endeavour to ensure that victims like Paddy McCabe and their families are also recognised? Their loss was as profound as that of anybody else. While they may not have been in the immediate vicinity of the explosion, they were just as much victims of that bombing, particularly Paddy McCabe, as anybody else. I ask him to ensure the Department finds a mechanism to allow those families to be part of investigations, commemorative events and any other actions undertaken.
James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I will certainly endeavour to ensure that the Department keeps the families updated regarding any developments I would expect to happen. I would expect that An Garda Síochána will do likewise. As the Deputy noted, a Garda liaison officer has been appointed. Of course, we think of all those who lost their lives in the immediate events of all these bombings where people were viciously murdered and injured. Many who did not die in the immediate event went on to suffer very serious consequences and may have had their lives shortened.
The announcement by An Garda Síochána in October that a number of lines of inquiry have been identified with regard to the Belturbet bombing and that a senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation shows the commitment of the Garda authorities to these legacy cases. Despite the length of time, we have not forgotten and An Garda Síochána will continue to investigate.
It is almost 50 years since that terrible day when two families lost their loved ones forever and many others were injured. Hope can and must remain for those families that the perpetrators can be brought to justice. The Government's approach to legacy and reconciliation has always been that it should be victim-centred, taking the Stormont House Agreement as its starting point. The UK's legacy Bill, which seeks to introduce an amnesty for crimes committed during the Troubles, risks severely damaging the process of reconciliation in Northern Ireland and here. It is the firm view of this Government that these paths must remain open to victims, survivors and their families. I again call on anybody with any information that may be relevant to this case to bring it to the attention of An Garda Síochána to aid its investigation.