Dublin and Monaghan bombings report to be published

A long-awaited report into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings is finally expected to be published tomorrow.

The Cabinet is due to discuss the findings at its weekly meeting today and make a decision to approve publication.

The report, which was compiled by barrister Patrick MacEntee, was received by the Government three weeks ago.

However careful legal consideration of its contents by the Attorney General has held up its publication until now.

A total of 33 people died and 300 were injured when four car bombs exploded in Dublin and Monaghan on May 17, 1974.

No organisation claimed responsibility but loyalist paramilitaries were blamed for the attacks.

The report is expected to be officially published at about 5pm tomorrow. The Justice for the Forgotten Group will then hold a news conference to respond to its findings.

The Taoiseach had promised to publish the findings before Easter.

The Commission of Investigation into the bombings was established in April 2005 under new legislation to fast-track inquiries.

Mr MacEntee and his officials are believed to have travelled outside the Republic to interview individuals with crucial evidence.

The terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation were to undertake a thorough investigation and make a report on specific matters considered by the Government, including why the Garda investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings was wound down in 1974 and why the gardai did not follow up a number of leads.