Written answers

Thursday, 28 April 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

Northern Ireland Issues

5:00 pm

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the serious concern expressed from many quarters at the inadequate nature of the proposed British inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane; the response he has received to these representations; the Government's position regarding the inquiry; the Government's views on the adequacy of this inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13733/05]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the British Government has proposed establishing an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane under the new Inquiries Act. Since the Inquiries Bill was first published, the Government has had concerns that the legislation would not allow an inquiry established under it to meet the necessary standards of independence and openness, in line with the commitment made by the Governments at Weston Park and with the recommendations of Judge Cory, following his investigation into the murder. His report established that there was strong evidence of collusive acts by the RUC, Special Branch, the British Army and the Secret Service.

The Government has raised these concerns with the British authorities at both political and official level. I raised the matter most recently with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at the meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin on 2 February last. The Taoiseach has expressed his concerns directly to Prime Minister Blair about the implications the legislation will have for a full, independent, public inquiry. He has met the Finucane family a number of times recently, in the course of which the family were assured of the Government's continuing strong support for their case. During the course of his visit to Washington over the St. Patrick's Day period, the Taoiseach raised the matter directly with President Bush.

The Government is deeply disappointed that, despite its serious concerns, and those of the family and of others, including Judge Cory and Lord Saville, the Inquiries Bill was enacted on 7 April. The Government has reiterated to the British Government that an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane must be independent and public.

The British Government, in response, has continually stated that it is its belief that an inquiry established under the Inquiries Act will meet the necessary requirements. On this, we disagree. We have made known our views with regard to this matter not only in Washington but also at the UN and in the Council of Europe.

The House can be assured that the Finucane family will continue to receive the full support of the Government in their pursuit of a full public inquiry that is compliant with the Weston Park agreement and the key requirements set out in the Cory report.

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