Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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497. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when his Department will respond to the request from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland seeking files in respect of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45937/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is carrying out investigations into a number of paramilitary-related killings in the 1970s. As part of those investigations the Police Ombudsman has sought co-operation from the authorities here, including and primarily from An Garda Síochána. I am committed to co-operating fully with the Police Ombudsman in these important investigations insofar as the law allows.

I am informed that the Garda Authorities have been in contact directly with the Police Ombudsman’s office and have met with the Police Ombudsman’s investigation team in order to assist in identifying relevant material.

As the Deputy will appreciate particular legal issues can arise in respect of such co-operation. The Police Ombudsman has a criminal investigation function and international co-operation in respect of criminal investigations is circumscribed by the arrangements in law for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. The Deputy will understand that I would not be in a position to comment on any given request for mutual legal assistance or to confirm that any such request had been made.

Consideration is also being given to the means by which co-operation otherwise with the Police Ombudsman’s office can also be provided. My Department is seeking advices from the Attorney General’s office in order to put in place measures in this regard.