Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 170: To ask the Taoiseach the reasons for granting a further extension to the MacEntee Commission of Investigation into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21764/06]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 26 April 2005, the Government appointed Mr. Patrick MacEntee S.C. as Sole Member of a Commission of Investigation to examine specific matters relating to the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings of 1974, including aspects of the Garda investigation and missing documentation. This was in accordance with the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights which considered the Barron Report on the Dublin/Monaghan Bombings.

At the end of May, Mr. MacEntee informed me that more time was required to complete the Inquiry in order to pursue a new line of investigation which has arisen. He therefore requested a further extension of the timeframe until 31 July 2006. He also provided me with a further fourth interim report, as required by the legislation. I have published that report and have placed a copy in the Oireachtas Library.

It is clear from this fourth Interim Report that Mr. MacEntee requires more time to pursue specific inquiries as there remain important opportunities to advance the investigation that might otherwise be lost. It is for this reason that I have granted the additional extension.