Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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188. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of investigations into the bombing of Belturbet, County Cavan on 28 December 1972; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6298/21]

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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189. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the engagements between State agencies and their UK counterparts in respect of the bombing of Belturbet, County Cavan on 28 December 1972; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6299/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.

The bombing of Belturbet on 28 December 1972 was an appalling and callous act of violence that claimed the lives of two innocent young people and injured others. The dreadful effects of this attack last to this day; the suffering of those who have lost what was most precious to them goes on. That the perpetrators of this atrocity have never been held accountable for their crimes can only compound the sense of loss.

The matter was thoroughly investigated at the time by An Garda Síochána, with assistance from the Defence Forces and the close cooperation of the authorities in Northern Ireland. Despite their best efforts however, it was not possible to secure the evidence which would have led to the prosecution of the perpetrators. This continues to remain a source of disappointment and frustration.

I have been further advised by An Garda Síochána that the Belturbet bombing remains an open investigation and that any new information or evidence will be thoroughly investigated.

The Deputy will also be aware of the work that is also being undertaken in Northern Ireland under the auspices of Kenova.  ‘Operation Denton’ is one of a series of ongoing independent UK police investigations or reviews into Northern Ireland legacy cases that are collectively described as the Kenova cases.  ‘Operation Denton' is specifically concerned with matters pursuant to the ‘Barnard Judgment’ and is an analytical review concerning collusion in what has become known as the Glenanne Gang Series.

I can confirm to the Deputy that there are arrangements are in place which support the mutual co-operation, assistance and exchange of information between An Garda Síochána and the Kenova Investigation Team and that engagement is ongoing at this time.  The Historical Investigation Coordination  Unit within An Garda Síochána will continue to support this partnership.   

Finally, and most importantly, I would appeal for anybody with any information that may be relevant to this case to bring it to the attention of the Garda Authorities to aid their investigation.  

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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190. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if information or documentation in respect of the bombings at Belturbet, Castleblayney, Monaghan or Dublin have been sought from any State body from Operation Kenova; if such documentation or information has been provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6300/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher heads up a series of ongoing independent UK police investigations and reviews into Northern Ireland legacy cases that are collectively described as the Kenova cases. 

The Deputy will appreciate that the manner in which these police investigations and reviews are pursued is entirely a matter for Kenova.

The Deputy has asked about information or documentation sought from any State body by Operation Kenova. The Deputy will appreciate that it would only be in respect of my own area of responsibility to which I can properly respond. 

The issue of cooperation by An Garda Síochána with Operation Kenova is, of course, an operational matter. I can however inform the Deputy that there are arrangements in place which support the mutual co-operation, assistance and exchange of information between An Garda Síochána and the Operation Kenova Investigation Team and that engagement is ongoing at this time.  The Historical Investigation Coordination Unit within An Garda Síochána will continue to support this partnership. 

I can further advise the Deputy of my continuing commitment to supporting An Garda Síochána in pursuing this work and in providing assistance to the greatest extent possible. 

More generally, the Deputy will appreciate that dealing with the legacy of the troubles on this island is a difficult and complex task.  The Stormont House Agreement sets out a series of useful measures in this regard to establish effective ways to address the legacy of the troubles. The Government remains fully committed to the implementation of those measures and working in the interests of victims and their families.