Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the committee of independent academics, which is to advise his Department on access to the files on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, has not yet been established; when it will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16133/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I refer the Deputy to my announcement of 30 December 2004 on enhanced access to the Department's historic records to complement the arrangements already in place for the transfer of 30 year old records to the National Archives under the provisions of the National Archives Act 1986.

The records in question are those which are over 30 years old but have not previously been made available for inspection. The scope of this access will not be confined to files relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings or indeed to any other specific matter.

Proposals to facilitate access for academics and scholars to such records are currently being prepared. This will involve the appointment of a group of prominent academic figures to advise the Department on the best approach to take. I intend to make an announcement regarding the membership of this committee in the near future.