Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1134. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made on investigations into the Belturbet bombing of 1972 which caused the deaths of two young persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38814/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The bombing at Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was a senseless act of violence in which two young people tragically and needlessly lost their lives.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a thorough investigation into the bombing was carried out at the time by the local Gardaí. They were assisted in this by experts from Garda Headquarters and from the Army. The Garda authorities have indicated to me that the investigation would have been conducted in accordance with normal procedures in place at that time and that 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 of this atrocity to be brought before the Courts.

I am further 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.