Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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48. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date with his British counterparts regarding release of files concerning the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and other legacy issues; and if the setting up of an historic investigation unit here will receive support. [28008/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings is a priority for the Government, as highlighted in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings that was adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 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 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow. I met with Justice for the Forgotten in April to hear their views and update them on the Government’s continuing engagement on legacy issues, including with the British Government on the Dáil motions.

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.

I am actively engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on this issue, as are officials from my Department. I have consistently underlined to the British Government 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 and Monaghan atrocities. I have also underlined that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and I have emphasised the urgent need for such a response.

The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on the request in relation to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, and pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House.

In relation to the Historical Investigation Unit (HIU), the HIU is one of the institutions provided for as part of the legacy framework of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the prompt establishment of which is supported by the Government. The Government has welcomed the launch of the UK Government’s consultation on Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past on 11 May, which includes draft legislative provisions for the establishment of the HIU.

The Stormont House Agreement sets out that the HIU will take forward outstanding investigations into Troubles-related deaths in Northern Ireland, from the Historical Enquiries Team process and the historical investigations of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

The HIU is being established in response to concerns about shortcomings with the investigation of outstanding Troubles-related deaths, which are unique to Northern Ireland. There is no provision under the Stormont House Agreement for a similar body in this jurisdiction. The investigation of crime, including unresolved, Troubles-related crimes, is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Garda Authorities will fully pursue any new or additional evidence or information presented to them in respect of such crimes.

The Government has committed to putting in place the necessary additional provisions for the HIU to co-operate with relevant authorities in this jurisdiction. The drafting of legislative proposals for consideration by the Government and Oireachtas in this regard is advancing, led by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Officials from my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality are meeting with Justice for the Forgotten on 4 July to hear their further views on the implementation of the legacy framework provided for under the Stormont House Agreement.

The Government remains determined to see progress on the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement institutions, on legacy inquests in Northern Ireland and on all outstanding legacy issues, including the three all-Party Motions adopted by this House on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.

Progress on these issues is crucial in order to meet the legitimate needs and expectations of victims and survivors and to contribute to broader societal reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process.