Dundalk bombing legacy
Deputy McGreehan asked what engagement has occurred with Northern Ireland to secure information and accountability for the Dundalk bombing and alleged collusion. The Minister said legacy issues require a mechanism beyond the unresolved Garda investigation and that Irish-British discussions on a broader approach were ongoing.
Next December marks 50 years since the Dundalk bombing where five people were murdered and 26 people were injured. In light of this enduring trauma, the anniversary coming up, many unanswered questions and not a semblance of any justice, what actions has the Minister's Department taken for direct engagement with Northern Ireland in relation to this to secure some release of information and some accountability, particularly regarding the long-standing allegations of collusion?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for identifying that the 50th anniversary of the Dundalk bombing is coming up. Regrettably, nobody has been brought to justice for those murders. Technically, it is an ongoing Garda investigation but the reality is that we are going to have to try to get some mechanism to deal with this and others as legacy issues. There are ongoing discussions between the Irish Government and the British Government as to how to best address legacy issues. It is certainly the case that the Dundalk bombing would come within the parameters of the types of events that need to be investigated. I will keep the Deputy apprised of any developments on that.