Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 459: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that he stated on the 19 April 2011, that the Garda investigation file remains open in regard to the bombing in Belturbet, County Cavan, on the 28 December 1972, and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda were not given hand torches on the night of the bombing, the reason the Garda stated that the car involved had disintegrated into dust which was not the case; the reason photofits were not sent to the press; the reason the Garda did not contact or tell the families of the fatal atrocity; the reason the Garda did not question a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15891/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The bombing at Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was a senseless act of violence which tragically ended the lives of two innocent teenagers, Geraldine O'Reilly and Patrick Stanley. I am informed by the Garda authorities that a thorough investigation into the bombing was carried out at the time by local Gardaí, assisted by experts from Garda Headquarters and from the Army. There was also liaison with the authorities in Northern Ireland. Although, every avenue of enquiry was pursued at the time, there was, however, no evidence to allow the perpetrators be brought before the Courts.

The Garda authorities indicate that the investigation would have been conducted in accordance with normal procedures in place at that time and that it is not possible at this remove to comment on the rationale of decisions made as part of the investigative process by the investigation team at that time. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the investigation into these murders remains open and should any new evidence emerge from any source, it will be actively pursued by An Garda Síochána.