Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 512: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the facts surrounding a mine explosion on 15 May 1943 in Mullaghduff, County Donegal in which 19 people died (details supplied) and that the coroner at the time said there would be a full inquiry into the events of the time; the reason no such inquiry occurred; if at this late stage, such an inquiry will be initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18678/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is referring to a tragic incident that occurred on Ballymanus Strand, Donegal on 10th May 1943 in which 18 people tragically lost their lives. This tragic incident was recently the subject of an adjournment debate in the Seanad on 23rd April 2008.

Officials of my Department recently retrieved the file on this matter from the National Archives and the details of the incident were outlined in the Seanad debate.

An inquest was held the day after the incident and, in view of requests for a special inquiry into the matter, the proceedings were adjourned. Consideration was given at the time to holding an inquiry. However, it seems from the file that there was little local demand for an inquiry into the matter at the time. It was noted that a number of local representatives were of the view that nothing would be gained from an inquiry. A meeting of local clergy apparently also came to the same conclusion. A report on file states that a meeting of the next-of-kin of the deceased was held on the 24th of May 1943 and it was decided unanimously by them that no demand be made for an inquiry. The Departments of Defence and Justice came to the conclusion that an inquiry would not serve any useful purpose. The coroner was informed that no official inquiry was proposed and the inquest was reconvened on the 28th of May 1943.

I am saddened by what happened, but it is very difficult, at this distance in time from the tragic event, to be able to pass judgement on the actions of the individuals or organisations involved. With the 65th anniversary just passed, I can understand the enduring sadness of the families of those who were killed and injured. As well as the suffering of the families involved, this was a terrible event for the local community and the grief was shared by the country as a whole.

Few of those involved directly are still alive and those who are would have distant memories of what occurred. It is hard to see how any further investigation of the matter would add anything to what was found at the time.

The file is now in the National Archives and is available for anyone who wants to examine the reports and statements of those who were involved at the time.