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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Seamus Ludlow inquiry

Summary

Deputy Ó Murchú sought Government support for the Ludlow family after a new cross-border investigation was announced. The Taoiseach said Irish Governments had consistently supported the case and legacy inquiries.

I would like the Taoiseach to commit Government support to the family of Seamus Ludlow. Seamus Ludlow was a man who was killed in May 1976 outside Dundalk by loyalists, including members of the British Army. Yesterday, we heard the news that Mr. Jon Boutcher will lead a cross-border investigation, that is, an investigation involving the North and South. There were absolute failings on the part of the Garda, RUC and politicians north and south. We have all seen "Unquiet Graves" in the past while and know the reality of British collusion. We know the reality of the operation of death squads. The Ludlow family has been failed miserably and has been told lies. It has experienced nothing but failed investigations, and even failures in this House. Therefore, could we get Government support and all the resources necessary?

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In fairness, Irish Governments have successively been supporting the case of Seamus Ludlow in terms of getting answers and securing the engagement of the British Government and others on the matter. Of that, I have no doubt.

In fact, the Irish Government, in terms of all parties, has probably been the one party that has honoured its commitments under the Good Friday Agreement as regards legacy issues. We set up the Smithwick inquiry, which is not often acknowledged. We did, however, and we were prepared take whatever came out of that particular inquiry in respect of the murder of two RUC members.

I am also well aware of the murderous work of the Glenanne gang, the deeply poisonous legacy they left and the degree of collusion involved. I have met Eugene Reavey on a number of occasions. He has worked tirelessly over many years in search of the full truth regarding the murder of his three brothers. We are, and will remain, committed as a Government to getting through it and getting all groups involved who have lost loved ones as result of violence, terror and murder.

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