Government urged to pressure UK to release bombings files

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has been urged to raise the need for the British Government to release the files on the Dublin/Monaghan bombings, as requested in motions passed in Dáil Éireann.

Deputy Brendan Smith in his comments referred to the unanimous passing of Dáil motions in 2008, 2011 and 2016 calling on the British Government to release all papers relating to the murders which claimed 34 lives and injured a further 300 people.

“The British Government has on three occasions ignored the unanimous requests of Members of a sovereign parliament," he noted.

He appealed to the government to "pursue again as strongly as possible" with the British Government the release of relevant documents. 

"The argument that the least they could do to try to see justice achieved for so many victims is ensure an independent, international judicial figure would have access to all files and papers on those awful atrocities.

“The Minister of State has correctly indicated that the motions were approved unanimously in the House in 2008, 2011 and 2016. They referred to the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay's Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Séamus Ludlow in County Louth. As we know, nobody has been brought to justice for committing these desperate atrocities. The Ulster Volunteer Force, UVF, a loyalist group, claimed responsibility for the bombings, but there are credible allegations that elements of the British security forces colluded with it in the bombings," said Deputy Smith. 

Helen McEntee, Minister for European Affairs, replying to the Cavan/Monaghan Deputy on behalf of Minister Coveney assured him that they were actively pursuing the issue.   

"The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of the all-party Dáil motions and has consistently raised the matter with the British Government. The Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, has spoken directly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. James Brokenshire, about the matter and is actively engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on it, as are officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. As part of this engagement, the Government underlines that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin and Monaghan atrocities.

"The Minister has also advised the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and this House and emphasised the urgent need for a response from the British Government. The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on the request relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings and will pursue all possible avenues that could achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by the Deputy and the Dáil.

She continued: "I wish to restate the Government's absolute commitment to doing this and ensuring that there is justice for the Dublin-Monaghan bombing campaign. That is reflected in the programme for Government and in the Government's consistent action and engagement on the matter. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, has said that he will continue to press the matter with party leaders and cross-party groups. Senior officials from the Irish and British Governments have been mandated to explore options to find a way forward on the issue. That work is continuing. They are working diligently to try to ensure that an end is reached. On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and the Government, I reiterate our full commitment to getting a resolution to the issue.”