Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit as teacht go dtí an Teach ar maidin. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil a lán oibre le déanamh aige. Gabhaim buíochas leis as a bheith anseo chun caint linn faoin ábhar iontach tábhachtach seo do na daoine as Contae Mhuineacháin agus Baile Átha Cliath.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House this morning to discuss this important issue. Today, 17 May, marks the 47th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. Each year, we gather here to discuss this issue but, unfortunately, there is little or no progress or forward movement for the victims, survivors and their families. Some 34 people lost their lives in Monaghan and Dublin on that fatal day. It was the greatest loss of life on a single day during the Troubles.As the anniversary occurs again today, our thoughts and our prayers are with the victims and their families. It is difficult and frustrating to try to understand how, 47 years on, we are no wiser as to the role of the British state or who was responsible for this tragedy in which 33 people lost their lives, seven in County Monaghan and 26 in Dublin. We can only imagine the pain and grief the families continue to endure over this period. That pain is compounded by the absence, for more than four decades, of the truth of what actually happened on 17 May 1974.

I pay tribute to all those who have worked through the years to lift the lid on this mystery. I acknowledge the huge work done by the Justice for the Forgotten group, as well as everything that has been done by Members of the Oireachtas to move this issue forward. Despite all of this, we are no closer to a resolution. The families' quest for truth and justice has been blocked in every quarter and largely ignored.

The British Government must make all documents relating to this atrocity available. It is imperative that both Governments work together to deliver a structure that can manage the legacy of the past in a way that can positively contribute to reconciliation on this island in the future. Unilateral action is unacceptable. I call on the Government to reinvigorate our efforts, on behalf of the people of this country, especially those of Monaghan and Dublin, to request the British Government to release the papers in order that these families can finally bring closure to this and put the memories of their loved ones to rest.