Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

130. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason An Garda Síochána has failed to fully cooperate with operation Newham in terms of failing to provide a single document in relation to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings; the reason An Garda Síochána has failed to provide intelligence information in relation to this case to operation Newham; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27608/24]

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

I am conscious of the recent 50th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974. As discussed last week with the Deputy, it is a matter of deep regret that, to date, no person has held responsible for these terrible attacks. The Garda investigation files into these bombings and the murders that took place remain open. Any new evidence that comes to light, from whatever source, will be pursued by An Garda Síochána.

The Deputy refers to Operation Newham, which is an investigation by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland into allegations of collusion between the then RUC and the activities of the so-called Glenanne gang.

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has been assisting the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) in relation to Operation Newham which, due to its extremely broad ranging nature, has been ongoing for a number of years. An Garda Síochána has engaged with PONI over those years in relation to a number of investigations, including Dublin Monaghan, and is continuing its work in providing assistance to PONI. This co-operation between State authorities and Operation Newham is a matter to be dealt with through the appropriate formal channels and is, of course, an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.

I am however confident that the Gardaí remain committed to cooperating to the greatest extent possible with Operation Newham and PONI generally. I can assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to seeking out the truth behind these appalling events and, hopefully, to secure some measure of solace for the victims’ families and the survivors.