TDs dismiss bombings probe claims

MEMBERS of an Oireachtas sub-committee considering the Dublin and Monaghan bombings have dismissed claims they have decided not to recommend a full public inquiry into the atrocities.

The justice sub-committee met yesterday to continue their deliberation of the Barron report and public testimony by serving and former ministers, senior gardaí, military personnel, the injured and relatives of the 33 people who died.

The Justice for the Forgotten campaign group has called for a public inquiry.

A newspaper report suggested the committee has already decided not to recommend a full public inquiry and opt for one led by an internationally-recognised judge. It was claimed this would be modelled on the recent inquiry by retired Canadian judge Peter Cory into a number of high-profile murders.

However, committee members Deputies Joe Costello and Finian McGrath said the claims were untrue.

“We are all flabbergasted by the article. We have made no decision. It’s speculation,” Mr McGrath said of the report in the Irish Independent.

Independent TD Mr McGrath accused someone unknown of “spinning stuff”. He said this was not helpful to the families as the issue was such a sensitive one.

The six person sub-committee will report first to the full Justice committee then the Dáil. That will happen next week, Mr Costello said.

He also dismissed a claim that he was initially in favour of a public inquiry but he was then “leaned on” by his party leader Pat Rabbitte.

Bernie McNally, chair of Justice for the Forgotten, said the group has heard nothing in relation to the sub-committee’s deliberations or expected decision.

“We do expect it will be drip-fed to the public,” Ms McNally said.

On the claim a judge would head the probe, she said: “We already had a private inquiry headed by a judge.”

Ms McNally added: “Before we can really make a judgment call, we will want to see what’s been recommended.”