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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Dundalk bombing legacy

Summary

Deputy McGreehan marked the 50th anniversary of the Dundalk bombing and said families still lack justice and answers. The Tánaiste said Ministers were pursuing the case with the British Government under the legacy framework.

I join my fellow colleagues in wishing everyone a very happy Christmas. I thank everyone for their collegiality, co-operation and friendship over the year. I also thank our staff of Leinster House who keep the show rolling all year.

Tomorrow marks 50 years since the Dundalk bombing that claimed the lives of Jack Rooney and Hugh Watters. Many more were injured. Half a century later, their families still wait not just for justice but for basic answers. Investigations remain but let us be honest: as the Tánaiste knows, this has led nowhere, no one has been charged and we are no further on. The Denton report has highlighted that investigations were not adequate. Garda files were disorganised, chaotic and incomplete. What will the Government do under the joint legacy framework with the Irish and UK Governments to improve the situation? We rightly call on the Government to release all files and be honest about its role in the perpetuating the Troubles. I want guarantees that this State will do everything to ensure justice for the victims of the Dundalk bombing.

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Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I thank Deputy McGreehan very much for highlighting this issue as we approach the 50th anniversary. We think of Jack Rooney and Hugh Watters and their families and all those injured and all the families impacted. This is an issue that both the Minister for justice and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade are working on raising at every opportunity, including with the British Government. Indeed, I remember it in my previous posting. We now have the legacy framework, and that has to work in all directions. There is no hierarchy when it comes to victims. There is no hierarchy when it comes to terror. Everybody needs to have answers, truth and justice. Both the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and the Minister, Deputy McEntee, will continue to raise this. I will ask them to update the Deputy accordingly.

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