Fine Gael wants probe of Arms Trial papers

Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan has called for an expert group to carry out a preliminary examination of all State papers relating to the 1970 Arms Trial.

Many of the papers relating to the trial remain confidential, including a 1972 Public Accounts Committee investigation into whether taxpayers' money destined to aid Catholics in the North was used to buy guns.

Deputy Noonan said that such an expert group would be then able to advise on the best way to deal with the affair.