43. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will make an apology on behalf of the State to the families of the children killed and injured by an army shell in the Glen of Imaal in April 1979. [42106/24]

I wish to thanks the Deputy for his question.

At the outset, I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and all of those injured and affected by the tragic events of 14 April 1979 at the Glen of Imaal. As the Deputy is aware, an investigation was carried out by the Defence Forces immediately after the incident. Subsequently, a number of litigation cases were taken against my Department, which, I am advised, are confidential to the parties involved.

Given the passage of time since these tragic events, and bearing in mind recent coverage of the matter, I will have to be given time to consider this request in depth. I will commit to examining this issue and will revert back to the Deputy directly.