Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the case of the murder of the late Pat Finucane; the most recent talks which he and his Department has held with representatives of the British Government; the position with regard to the need for a public inquiry with particular reference to the need for such to meet the most stringent requirements of international law. [13131/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my recent statement to the Dáil on 8 March in support of the all-party motion on the Finucane case, which makes clear the Government's strong support for a full, independent public inquiry into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The situation with regard to an inquiry was considered in the course of meetings during the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington. The matter was discussed during the meeting which the Taoiseach and I had with President Bush and in contacts with senior figures in the US Senate and House of Representatives. Both the Taoiseach and I met the Finucane family in Washington and my officials assisted the family with other aspects of their programme. I have also had further contact with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Peter Hain. Following the unanimous adoption by the Dáil of the all-party motion, he wrote to me indicating why he felt the UK Inquiries Act 2005 was appropriate in this case. In confirming that I could not share this assessment, my reply emphasised that the all-party motion was a concrete expression of deep and ongoing concern among all parties on this issue.

Throughout this process, the key question for the Government has been whether what has been proposed by the British Government will contribute to the enhancement of public confidence. It is clear from the reaction in many quarters, including the response of distinguished jurists, human rights groups and the Finucane family, that the answer is in the negative. I concluded my letter to the Secretary of State by making it clear that the Government continued to hope that a way will be found to address these issues in a manner which will meet the legitimate concerns of the Finucane family, and of all who wish to see justice done in this case. That remains our position.