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#State Papers

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>The documents also state that U2 were in consideration for playing a free concert to 400,000 people at the Eiffel Tower to mark its centenary — after an expression of interest by then Paris mayor Jacques Chirac.</p>

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State Papers: U2 U-turn put Irish diplomats in ’embarrassing situation’

Irish officials thought they had five times as many free tickets for a U2 tour of the United States

<p>A letter said the minister would only give his approval to accept fees from patients if there were regulations in place which would limit the number of beds set apart for fee-paying patients 'and also that they give poor persons first claim on all the beds in the hospital'. File photo</p>

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Young pregnant woman died along with her baby after being denied admission to hospital

<p>There were concerns that Stakeknife, the British Army's top spy in the IRA's internal security unit during the Troubles, was 'a danger to himself' in 2003, according to Irish Government documents. File photo: Alan Lewis</p>

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State papers: Concerns over possibility of Stakeknife suicide raised in 2003

Martin McAleese declassified files

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State Papers: President McAleese husband’s contacts with UDA took on ‘life of own’, ambassador heard

DENIS SCANNELL

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State Papers: Government was dubious about Saudi investors' 'sketchy' $1bn plan for Cork oil refinery

State Papers: Ahern and Andrews opposed 1993 bill on standards and transparency

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State Papers: Ahern and Andrews opposed 1993 bill on standards and transparency

Andy Townsend 18/6/1994

State Papers: A scramble for soccer tickets to avoid ‘riotous situation’

Irish officials made enormous efforts in June 1994 to get match tickets for fans who had been left stranded and ticketless in Florida and Massachusetts

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

UNIFIL Soldiers During the Lebanon War

State Papers: Ireland's consul in Israel had to be reminded Gaza was outside his jurisdiction

Records show the official was told he should not be promoting Irish business interests in the Palestinian territory, writes Seán McCárthaigh

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

State Papers: ‘Lack of safety decisions’ ahead of Lansdowne Road riots

State Papers: ‘Lack of safety decisions’ ahead of Lansdowne Road riots

Report into the incident concluded that the 'actual serious violence experienced ...was caused solely by English fans' and that this violence had been planned.

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

State Papers: Haughey’s concern over British patrols in Carlingford Lough

State Papers: Haughey’s concern over British patrols in Carlingford Lough

As part of the annual release of National Archive files in Dublin, several pieces of correspondence detail the incident with sailor Henry Barnwell and his yacht 'the Lady Jane' on June 1, 1991

Sun, 28 Dec, 2025

Chilean Army Commander in Chief Augusto Pinochet (

State Papers: Media ‘ready to exploit slightest weakness’ of Mary Robinson visits

Former president was criticised for shaking hands with former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet during her trip to Chile, as well as for her overall itinerary and its cost

Sun, 28 Dec, 2025

State Papers: Chinese panda's death linked to Ireland visit

State Papers: Chinese panda's death linked to Ireland visit

Loan of two giant pandas to Dublin Zoo almost 40 years ago sparked controversy when one of them died after returning home

Sun, 28 Dec, 2025

State Papers: Irish officials believed 9/11 would change how US politicians saw peace process

State Papers: Irish officials believed 9/11 would change how US politicians saw peace process

Several US legislators had taken a keen interest and been involved in work towards the Good Friday Agreement in 1998

Sun, 28 Dec, 2025

Israel-Hamas conflict

State Papers: Concerns were raised over ‘backlash’ to opening Israeli embassy in Dublin

The Israeli embassy in Dublin announced last year that it would close, with the country’s foreign minister accusing Ireland of crossing 'every red line in its relations with Israel'

Sun, 28 Dec, 2025

BALLYMUN COMPLEX AREA HOUSING ESTATES

State Papers: Minister raised concerns about Government ‘hiding’ in divorce debate

The November 1995 referendum passed by 50.28% to 49.72%

Sun, 28 Dec, 2025

State Papers: Irish officials raised concerns about Christy Moore's questioning by UK officials in 2004

State Papers: Irish officials raised concerns about Christy Moore's questioning by UK officials in 2004

His questioning came amid a rise of similar complaints relating to Britain's anti-terrorism measures

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

Shannon Airport, Ireland - December 27th 2016: Shannon Airport is Irelands 2nd largest airport in Ireland County Clare. A key ai

State Papers: Nasa wanted to use Shannon Airport as a landing site for the space shuttle

At the time, NASA was preparing to launch the space shuttle, Atlantis, in June 1995 on a mission to dock with the Russian Mir space station

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

State Papers: CSO’s top executive objected to ‘totally unsuitable’ Cork relocation plans

State Papers: CSO’s top executive objected to ‘totally unsuitable’ Cork relocation plans

In December 1991, the NSB urged the then taoiseach, Charles Haughey, to rescind the government’s decision to move the CSO to Cork

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

State Papers: White House did not want photo of Clinton shaking hands with Adams

State Papers: White House did not want photo of Clinton shaking hands with Adams

The Clintons visited Northern Ireland in 1995 before travelling to Dublin

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

State Papers: UK feared Northern Bank robbery's 'top man' would be 'clever enough to avoid getting arrested'

State Papers: UK feared Northern Bank robbery's 'top man' would be 'clever enough to avoid getting arrested'

British officials also said that 'the republican movement had knocked up the price' of the peace process

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

State Papers: Hospitalisation of fans at 1995 Boyzone gig spurred changes to concert laws

State Papers: Hospitalisation of fans at 1995 Boyzone gig spurred changes to concert laws

Most of those attending the concert were aged 12 to 16 years, with many having queued since 9am before the venue opened at 7pm, and 'had not enough to drink during the day'

Sat, 27 Dec, 2025

State Papers: 80 years ago, Irish Jews rebuffed claim that Ireland was antisemitic

State Papers: 80 years ago, Irish Jews rebuffed claim that Ireland was antisemitic

In 1944, foreshadowing events of 2024, the Jewish Representative Council of Éire described as 'false, irresponsible, and mischievous' a suggestion that Ireland was antisemitic

Mon, 30 Dec, 2024

State Papers: 'Firm view' £40m sought to save Irish Steel in Cork 'could be put to better use'

State Papers: 'Firm view' £40m sought to save Irish Steel in Cork 'could be put to better use'

Enterprise minister Ruairí Quinn believed the rescue package was 'not a prudent use of scarce capital'

Mon, 30 Dec, 2024

Space - Apollo 11 crew

State Papers: Priceless moon rock donated to Ireland destroyed in fire

The lunar rock, which originated from the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, was given to President Éamon de Valera by American ambassador JG Moore in 1970

Mon, 30 Dec, 2024

State papers: Fr Aidan Troy said no to offer of refuge after loyalist death threats over Holy Cross

State papers: Fr Aidan Troy said no to offer of refuge after loyalist death threats over Holy Cross

Pipe bomb was discovered at the school in Ardoyne, Belfast, after the BBC and Samaritans informed him they had received coded warnings

Mon, 30 Dec, 2024

State papers: Two-year dispute over swimming pool at Vatican ambassador's residence

State papers: Two-year dispute over swimming pool at Vatican ambassador's residence

Pool at Villa Spada in Rome became the source of heated correspondence between embassy officials and an Italian firm of architects

Mon, 30 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Albert Reynolds gave Harry Whelehan High Court post due to 'custom and practice'

State Papers: Albert Reynolds gave Harry Whelehan High Court post due to 'custom and practice'

Former Attorney General appointed to High Court despite controversies including the X Case and the mishandling of the extradition of paedophile priest Fr Brendan Smyth

Mon, 30 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Taoiseach doubted Sinn Féin and SDLP accurately represented nationalists in the North

State Papers: Taoiseach doubted Sinn Féin and SDLP accurately represented nationalists in the North

Other documents show that Sinn Féin and the SDLP were somewhat concerned about John Bruton’s commitment to the peace process

Mon, 30 Dec, 2024

10 things we have learned so far from the State papers

10 things we have learned so far from the State papers

Fears over 'boisterous' Irish fans at the 1994 World Cup, republicans 'paralysed' by 2003 Stakeknife revelations, and film censor's warning over Elvis Presley's 'suggestive' dancing

Sun, 29 Dec, 2024

State papers: Film censor not impressed with Elvis and 'suggestive abdominal dancing'

State papers: Film censor not impressed with Elvis and 'suggestive abdominal dancing'

Ireland’s film censor felt the need to warn the Government over 60 years ago about a concerning trend where the US and UK film industries were constantly developing “newer gimmicks and different slants on human depravity to be exploited".

Sun, 29 Dec, 2024

State papers: Reynolds said courtesy call by Mary Robinson to British queen 'should not be encouraged'

State papers: Reynolds said courtesy call by Mary Robinson to British queen 'should not be encouraged'

Confidential government files have revealed that Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, felt in April 1992 that a courtesy call by President Mary Robinson to Queen Elizabeth “should not be encouraged".

Sun, 29 Dec, 2024

Northern Ireland records released

State papers: British lord 'too bitchy' to lead north-south negotiations

Among the names proposed by unionists, the Department of Foreign Affairs determined that Lord Tonypandy was 'widely disliked' at the House of Commons, where he had previously been speaker

Sun, 29 Dec, 2024

Germany Nazi Auction

State papers: Olympia Theatre refused to allow Nazi film reels to be stored on premises

Declassified documents released by the National Archives show the Irish Government was concerned that screenings of 'Triumph of the Will' could lead to clashes between Nazi and communist groups

Sun, 29 Dec, 2024

State papers: IRA and Sinn Féin leaders were ‘paralysed’ by 2003 Stakeknife revelations

State papers: IRA and Sinn Féin leaders were ‘paralysed’ by 2003 Stakeknife revelations

The disclosure that Freddie Scappaticci was a British spy rocked Sinn Féin and the wider republican movement at a critical point in the Northern Ireland peace process

Sat, 28 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Ireland asked US to be flexible on World Cup visas for 'Jackie Charlton's army'

State Papers: Ireland asked US to be flexible on World Cup visas for 'Jackie Charlton's army'

Pleas by tánaiste Dick Spring and ambassador Dermot Gallagher got a lukewarm response from World Cup 1994 hosts

Sat, 28 Dec, 2024

ULSTER Wright/filer

State Papers: Senior officials in the North 'sustained' Billy Wright and the LVF

Under Wright’s leadership, the LVF became one of the most notorious loyalist groups for the sectarian murder of Catholics

Sat, 28 Dec, 2024

State papers: Joe Kennedy told Éamon de Valera Irish visit was happiest moment in JFK's life

State papers: Joe Kennedy told Éamon de Valera Irish visit was happiest moment in JFK's life

Former ambassador said Irish heritage was key to his son's life, from his boyhood in Boston to the Irish Army guard of honour at the assassinated president's funeral

Sat, 28 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Whiddy Island oil terminal owners agreed pollution payments with Cork fishing co-op

State Papers: Whiddy Island oil terminal owners agreed pollution payments with Cork fishing co-op

The agreement arose out of concerns about the resumption of activity at the oil terminal after the oil tanker explosion there in 1979

Sat, 28 Dec, 2024

Roy Keane and Paul McGrath 29/5/2020

State Papers: Government was wary of 'exuberance' of Irish fans at 1994 World Cup

There was concern among senior civil servants that the antics of 'boisterous but well-behaved' supporters of Jack Charlton’s team might be misunderstood

Sat, 28 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Department said it was unable to oversee safety after West Cork ferry tragedy

State Papers: Department said it was unable to oversee safety after West Cork ferry tragedy

Four of the eight people on board The Blue Ferry died when it capsized on a crossing between Castletownbere and Bere Island in Co Cork on February 24, 1994

Fri, 27 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Government banned notorious South African police chief from entering Ireland in 1994

State Papers: Government banned notorious South African police chief from entering Ireland in 1994

Nicknamed 'Prime Evil', Colonel Eugene Alexander de Kock had led brutal paramilitary operations against opponents of the apartheid regime

Fri, 27 Dec, 2024

SALE Joyce

State papers: Taoiseach Jack Lynch confused by plea to bring James Joyce's remains home

Release of 1994 papers reveals that the writer's son, Giorgio Joyce, had raised the issue in 1968

Fri, 27 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Russian president Boris Yeltsin kept taoiseach waiting at Shannon due to 'unfortunate mishap'

State Papers: Russian president Boris Yeltsin kept taoiseach waiting at Shannon due to 'unfortunate mishap'

Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and group of dignitaries were left standing on the red carpet when Mr Yeltsin stayed on board the Aeroflot aircraft during his stopover in Shannon in September 1994

Fri, 27 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Government divided over purchase of military equipment from Israeli firms

State Papers: Government divided over purchase of military equipment from Israeli firms

Foreign affairs minister David Andrews had 'strong reservations' but was overruled by government colleagues as Israeli equipment was cheaper than from other sources

Fri, 27 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Family of Irish man assassinated on Bloody Sunday in 1920 awarded £7,500

State Papers: Family of Irish man assassinated on Bloody Sunday in 1920 awarded £7,500

Captain Patrick McCormack was shot dead in Dublin's Gresham Hotel by a member of Michael Collins' squad on November 21, 1920, amid allegations he was a British spy

Fri, 27 Dec, 2024

State Papers: President Mary Robinson warned against taking up UN role in 1993

State Papers: President Mary Robinson warned against taking up UN role in 1993

Tánaiste Dick Spring wrote to Ms Robinson expressing concern accepting UN role would 'fly in the face' of the traditional understanding of what the presidency should be about

Fri, 27 Dec, 2024

State Papers: Minister feared retaliation over failure to prosecute republican terrorist Dessie O'Hare

State Papers: Minister feared retaliation over failure to prosecute republican terrorist Dessie O'Hare

Minister for justice Gerry Collins concerned decision to not to prosecute O'Hare and accomplice Eugene McNamee for attempted murder of a prison officer in Co Armagh could 'result in bombs in Border towns on our side or in Dublin'

Fri, 27 Dec, 2024

Mick Clifford: New British law designed to cover up Troubles' murders

S Mick Clifford: New British law designed to cover up Troubles' murders

In light of what is emerging about the level of depravity deployed by the British forces, it is entirely proper that the Irish Government tries to halt the amnesty legislation

Sun, 07 Jan, 2024

FILE PHOTO Loyalist Paramilitary organisations have told UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that they are temporarily withdrawing t

State papers: Officials asked to redraw Border, secret files show

Report concluded the only possible solution was to redraw the Border in a way that majority nationalist areas would be moved into the Republic

Fri, 29 Dec, 2023

State Papers: Warnings over bad publicity after ‘gay bashing’ of US writer in Sligo

State Papers: Warnings over bad publicity after ‘gay bashing’ of US writer in Sligo

Robert Drake was beaten 'to within an inch of his life' in January 1999 assault

Thu, 28 Dec, 2023