Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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256. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in an investigation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13494/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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.

As the Deputy will be aware, a comprehensive review of the investigation was carried out by An Garda Síochána in recent years which identified a number of lines of inquiry. A Senior Investigating Officer was appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room established at Ballyconnell Garda Station.

I can assure the Deputy that the investigation into the Belturbet bombing continues to progress and I would call on anyone with information to bring it to the attention of the Garda authorities.