Bombings report to be published after Ahern’s US visit

THE McEntee Commission report into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings will be published soon after Taoiseach Bertie Ahern returns from his St Patrick’s Day trip to Washington.

The Government received the long-awaited Final Report of the Commission of Investigation, chaired by the eminent criminal barrister Patrick McEntee SC.

The completion of the final report was delayed on a number of occasions by Mr McEntee following the emergence of new contacts during the investigation that opened up new leads of enquiry. Mr McEntee was appointed in April 2005.

The Taoiseach has previously promised a full Dáil debate on the allegations of collusion that have persisted for over three decades — some 34 people died in the bombing attacks in Dublin and in Monaghan.

As of last night there was no definite indication of when the report will be published. In a statement issued as he departed for his trip to the US, Mr Ahern said that he would consult with the Attorney General before submitting the report to Cabinet. “The Dublin and Monaghan Bombings were a terrible atrocity and it is important that we uncover the truth of what happened. Following consideration by the Attorney General and the Government, it is my intention to publish this report as soon as possible,” he said.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte called for the report to be published without delay.

“Any delay in publication will increase the prospect of a leak of versions of the report (as happened in the case of the Dean Lyons inquiry),” he said.

“Secondly, families of the victims of these shocking atrocities are entitled to hear the results of Mr McEntee’s investigations at the earliest possible date.”

He added: “The fact that Mr McEntee sought and received an extension of time on eight separate occasions since April 2005 has created a real level of expectation that he will be able to answer at least some of the more important questions that remain about the bombings and the subsequent Garda investigation.”

Green Party leader Trevor Sargent called for a full debate. Speaking from Cork, Mr Sargent said: “This report has been delayed too many times already. “After its publication, the Dáil must be allowed to have a full debate on collusion before the General Election. The Government must not try to squeeze it out of the schedule due to its attempt to rush through legislation which it has failed to bring forward at an earlier date.”

The group representing victims and relatives, Justice for the Forgotten, has also expressed concern that the report’s findings on conclusions may not be debated within the lifetime of this Government — the election is expected to be called by the end of April.