British counterinsurgency inquiry
Deputy Ó Cuív called for a full inquiry into British counterinsurgency activities in Ireland and an end to such operations. Deputy Humphreys said the Tánaiste regularly raises these issues with the British Secretary of State and will continue to do so.
My commiserations to all those who have suffered or are suffering as a result of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings 50 years ago. In view of this atrocity, of the recent revelations in the Kenova inquiry and many other instances of counterinsurgency and of the continued operation of British counterinsurgency activities, as evidenced in the McFadden affair, will the Government call on the British Government to institute a full inquiry into past and present counterinsurgency activities by the British State in Ireland, North and South, and demand an end to such activities, which are totally illegal and unjustifiable? Will it work to ensure the incoming government - I think we all expect a change of government in the UK - will commit to instituting such a thorough inquiry?
Comment on this
I know the Tánaiste raises those matters with his counterpart, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on every occasion he meets him. The last meetings were on 18 and 29 April and they were raised at those meetings. He will continue to do so. I will raise the Deputy's concerns with him.