Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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78. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise with members of the British Government the need to establish a comprehensive inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings of 1974 as requested (details supplied), as these bombings caused the deaths of 21 innocent persons, and the need to have persons brought to justice for these heinous crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42550/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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On 3 October, I greatly welcomed the opportunity to meet on behalf of the Government with the relatives of those who lost their lives in the 1974 Birmingham Bombings.

The lives of 21 people were brutally taken in these appalling attacks for which there was never any justification. 

I conveyed to the families the Government’s enduring abhorrence of these attacks, which is shared by the Irish people. I expressed our solidarity with the families in their continuing search for those responsible to be brought to justice and account for their crimes.

I also acknowledged the significance of the families’ visit to Ireland, and the families spoke of their deep appreciation that President Higgins had welcomed them at Áras an Uachtaráin as part of their visit.

With regard to a possible public inquiry in the UK, it is important to note that a police investigation into the bombings remains open in Birmingham. I discussed with the families their views on how justice and the full truth of what happened to their loved ones could be further pursued. I conveyed that the Irish Government would remain engaged and supportive of the families’ continuing search for justice and truth, however that can best proceed in the UK.

On 4 October, I spoke to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding my meeting with the the Birmingham families and I conveyed their request for further engagement with the British Government on how justice and the full truth of what happened can be further pursued in their case.

The Government looks forward to keeping in contact with the Birmingham families as they continue this search with dignity and determination, 45 years after their loved ones were cruelly taken away.

The Government will also continue to engage with the British Government to seek urgent progress with the establishment of the legacy institutions of the Stormont House Agreement, to address the legacy of the past in a comprehensive way, in support of healing for victims' families and societal reconciliation across these neighouring islands.