SF to protest tribunal laws

Sinn Féin will today protest outside the Dáil at proposed new laws regulating future tribunals.

The party believes a bill due before Government within weeks could allow cabinet ministers to frustrate inquiries into British collusion.

In particular, possible future hearings on the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, the murder of Donegal councillor Eddie Fullerton and the shooting dead of solicitor Pat Finucane could be jeopardised, it is claimed.

Section 34 (7) of the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill allows for ministerial discretion to withhold certain findings for a time if it is believed they might hamper relations with other states or international organisations.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams raised his concerns at this element with the Taoiseach on Monday, while Aengus O’Snodaigh TD has written to the Tánaiste and Justice Minister Michael McDowell, who has indicated he would like to see the bill passed before Christmas.

“The Government approved an all party motion backing a demand for a full inquiry by the British authorities into the murder of Pat Finucane,” said Mr O’Snodaigh, Sinn Féin’s Justice Spokesman.

“This Bill would greatly undermine that demand. Likewise it would jeopardise future inquiries into travesties such as the Dublin Monaghan bombings and others in this state.

“I am calling for a commitment from Michael McDowell to amend this Bill to ensure that it will not jeopardise the quest for truth by the families of collusion victims,” he said.

The party is to stage a demonstration against the proposed new laws outside Lenister House, at the Kildare Street Gate, at 12 noon.