Ahern encouraged by Hain comments on collusion inquiry

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said he is encouraged by an apparent willingness from the British government to share information relating to the loyalist killings in the North.

There have long been suspicions that British forces colluded in a series of loyalist atrocities, including the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings.

However, investigations into this collusion have been hampered by the failure of the British authorities to hand over relevant documents.

Barrister Patrick McEntee has been given until February 14 next to complete these investigations and Mr Ahern told the Dáil that he was encouraged by the latest comments on the matter from Northern Secretary Peter Hain.

He said Mr Hain made it clear that the British government would do everything it could to assist in bringing closure to these issues.