Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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424. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the ongoing outstanding requests with the British Government regarding inquiries into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, the Kingsmill massacre and the murder of a person (details supplied), in view of the recent refusal to hold a public inquiry into same. [9996/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Dealing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland are of the utmost importance to me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for the Government. This Programme for a Partnership Government highlights this priority, with specific references to establishment of the comprehensive framework on the past provided for under the Stormont House Agreement, implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin Monaghan bombings, and pursuing a public inquiry into the murder of the late Pat Finucane.

In relation to the Dublin Monaghan bombings, the All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings adopted in this House on 25 May last year has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the bombings.

The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government. The Taoiseach has raised the issue with Prime Minister May, including at their meeting in Dublin on 30 January, emphasising the Government’s continued support for the Dáil motions. I have also raised the matter on a number of occasions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire.

In our discussions, I have advised Secretary of State Brokenshire that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin Monaghan atrocities. I have also underlined to the Secretary of State that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and emphasised the urgent need for a response from the British Government. Secretary of State Brokenshire has acknowledged the importance that the Government and Dáil Éireann attach to this case, but indicated that the British Government is still considering how it could respond in a way which would adequately address the motions and be consistent with its obligations.

The Government is continuing to pursue this matter with the British Government, urging them to provide a satisfactory response to the motions that have been adopted by this House. The Taoiseach and I will also continue our engagement with party leaders in the Oireachtas on the issue.

In relation to the Kingsmill massacre, I understand that the inquest hearings into the deaths will shortly resume, following the decision of the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland in February not to proceed with a prosecution. That there will not be a prosecution is a further disappointment to the families of the victims who died in this atrocity, and the sole survivor, who have waited so long for justice.

The Government has committed to full co-operation within the law with the Kingsmill inquest. Further to this commitment, the Garda Authorities have worked with the Northern Ireland Coroner, and transfers of the relevant material, in accordance with the law, have taken place to the Coroner in support of the inquest. The Irish Authorities remain in direct contact with the Northern Ireland Coroner, as part of an ongoing legal process of cooperation, to identify ways in which any further support or assistance can be given to the Inquest, in accordance with the law.

Regarding the case of the late Pat Finucane, I was glad to accept an invitation to deliver the annual Pat Finucane Memorial Lecture in Belfast on 23 February last. In doing so, I reaffirmed the firm view and position of the Government that a satisfactory outcome will best be achieved through a full public inquiry into the appalling murder of Mr. Finucane, honouring the commitment made by both Governments at Weston Park in 2001. We have made this position clear to the British Government on a number of occasions, including in recent discussions between the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister, and will continue to do so.

Also, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers decided in December 2015, at Ireland’s request, to consider a re-opening of measures in the case of Pat Finucane, when the domestic proceedings in Belfast have concluded. This decision of the Committee of Minister was reaffirmed in December 2016 and the matter will next be considered by the Committee of Ministers in June as part of the review of the McKerrgroup of cases. I am informed that the recent decision of the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal in this case may be the subject of a further appeal.

There are many families across all communities on these islands, and beyond, who continue to deal with the awful pain of losing a loved one, as well as with the struggle for answers decades after these traumatic events. The Government is therefore committed to the establishment of a new comprehensive framework for dealing with the past, as provided for under the Stormont House Agreement.

In this regard, I am continuing to engage in the ongoing discussions in Belfast with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties to seek a way forward for the early establishment of the Stormont House framework. In these discussions, I have been very clear on the urgent need to achieve progress, so that the institutions can be established and start working to meet the needs of victims and survivors and to support broader societal healing and reconciliation. I have also emphasised in discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties, the need to ensure that legacy inquests are properly resourced, and urged all with responsibilities in relation to the legacy inquests to move forward as quickly as possible to implement the helpful proposals of the Lord Chief Justice.

The Government will continue its intensive engagement with all parties to move forward with the Stormont House legacy framework, and I hope that this can be achieved in the very near future.