Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1453. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will ensure further investigations are carried out into the Belturbet, Clones and Pettigo bombings of December 1972 following the unearthing of new information from Ministry of Defence documents regarding these bombings by a person (details supplied) that the RUC failed to provide intelligence to An Garda Síochána of a car stolen from Enniskillen, County Fermanagh and the identity of the loyalist paramilitary who was in possession of the car; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19829/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 28 December 1972, bombs exploded in three border towns, Clones, Co. Monaghan, Belturbet, Co. Cavan and Pettigo, Co. Donegal. The perpetrators of these bombings demonstrated a callous disregard for human life. Many people were injured and the bomb in Belturbet took the lives of two innocent young people.

The bombings were fully investigated by An Garda Síochána at the time with technical assistance from the Defence Forces and the close cooperation of the authorities in Northern Ireland.

It remains a source of great regret that in spite of a comprehensive investigation, it was not possible for those responsible to be prosecuted for their crimes. The bombings continue to inflict an intolerable suffering on the families of those who died and those who were injured.

I am aware of the work of the academic referred to by the Deputy, and have previously forwarded his research to An Garda Síochána with regard to the Belturbet bombing. I will also arrange to have the new information referenced by the Deputy forwarded to An Garda Síochána for their attention.

I would ask that anyone with any information in relation to these heinous acts should bring it to the attention of the Garda Authorities.