Written answers

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Department of An Taoiseach

Public Inquiries

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Taoiseach if he will support the family of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane in their efforts for a public inquiry; and if he will raise this matter with the British Government. [56813/12]

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Successive Irish Governments have consistently supported the Finucane family in their efforts to ascertain the full truth behind Pat Finucane’s murder and the subsequent investigations, including the extent of collusion. This Government’s position has consistently been in accordance with the all-party motion adopted in the Dáil in 2006 which called for a full, independent, public inquiry, as recommended by Judge Cory.

The British and Irish Governments agreed in 2001 to appoint a judge of international standing to investigate these cases and, in the event that a Public Inquiry was recommended in any case, to implement that recommendation.

In April 2004 Judge Peter Cory recommended a public inquiry in five cases. On foot of his recommendation, the Smithwick Tribunal was established by resolutions of Dáil and Seanad Eireann in 2005. The Smithwick Tribunal is currently concluding its work.

The Irish Government disagreed strongly with the decision by the British Government last year not to conduct a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane and made its position known to them on numerous occasions.

I spoke to the Prime Minister in advance of his statement in the House of Commons on the de Silva report. I welcome both his apology and his determination to get to the truth behind this case, but the position of the Irish Government in respect of the need for a public inquiry remains unchanged.

I also note that the Prime Minister indicated in his statement that various authorities in Britain and in Northern Ireland are expected to consider the De Silva Report.

I also spoke to Geraldine Finucane after the publication of the De Silva Report and intend to consult further with the family once I have had the opportunity to consider the Report in greater detail.

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