Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
127. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will provide an update on the British Government's response to the State's ongoing request for full disclosure and access to all relevant documents concerning the Dublin Monaghan bombings of 17 May 1974; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8699/26]
View answerThe Government has long-standing requests in place to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents held by the British Government relating to the Dublin Monaghan bombings.
These requests arise from successive all-party motions adopted by this House, which is testament to the continued importance placed on the maximum possible disclosure in the interests of providing truth to victims of these atrocities and their families.
In that context, the delay in the publication of the full report of Operation Denton, a review of Glennane Gang cases including the Dublin Monaghan bombings, which was expected last year, is disappointing. Families have waited for far too long for answers.
I hope the full report of Operation Denton can be published in a reasonable timeframe, and that its findings will shed new light on what happened on that terrible day.
In the context of ongoing work by both governments on the implementation of the Joint Framework on the legacy of the Troubles, the publication of the report would help to maintain momentum on our broader work on legacy.
I would note also that the Joint Framework on legacy, published by the two governments in September of last year, commits the British Government to provide "cooperation to Ireland for investigations, inquiries and inquests" in this jurisdiction.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remain in regular contact with the head of Operation Denton, Sir Iain Livingston, and will continue to follow-up on the publication of the report.
