Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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95. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the investigation into the bombing in Belturbet, County Cavan, in December 1972 which caused the death of two persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23968/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The bomb attack in Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was an appalling act of violence, which claimed two innocent lives. Our thoughts are, of course, with the families of the victims who, like so many other families over the course of the Troubles, have had to face the pain and grief of the loss of their loved ones.

The Garda authorities inform me that the Belturbet atrocity was the subject of a rigorous Garda investigation at the time of its commission. Expert assistance was provided by the Defence Forces to the Garda investigators. The gardaí were in close liaison with the police in Northern Ireland during the course of the investigation. It is a matter of regret that despite pursuing every available avenue of inquiry open to the investigators, it has not been possible to acquire sufficient evidence to sustain a prosecution for these two murders.

However, given that over 40 years have passed since these murders Belturbet, without new evidence we must be realistic as to the prospect of a successful prosecution. That said, I want to assure that House that the investigation into the bombing and the two deaths it caused remains open and that the Garda Authorities will pursue fully any new information or evidence that is brought to them. I call on anyone who has any relevant information in respect of these events to bring it to the attention of the Garda Authorities in the hope that it could help to bring resolution to this case.