Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2026
79. 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 and Monaghan bombings of 17 May 1974. [69164/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis year marks the 52nd anniversary of the Dublin Monaghan bombings. My thoughts are first and foremost with the families who continue to seek the truth of what happened to their loved ones on that day and it was important to me that my Department was represented at the commemoration on Talbot Street in May.
In relation to contact with the British Government, I have spoken with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Christ Bryant MP, a number of times since his appointment in July.
We have discussed our key priorities for Northern Ireland in the months ahead, particularly the need to progress the implementation of the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles, agreed last year by the two Governments. Reciprocal co-operation is at the heart of the Joint Framework, which commits the British Government to provide "cooperation to Ireland for investigations, inquiries and inquests" in this jurisdiction.
The 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 and Monaghan bombings. These requests arise from successive all-party motions adopted by this House.
I am disappointed at the delay in the publication of the full report of Operation Denton which reviews the Glenanne gang cases, including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. The report was initially due last year and officials from my Department remain in contact with the Operation Denton team. We hope the report can be published within a reasonable timeframe so that the families and the wider public can access the information that they are seeking.
