The investigation into the 1974 bombings in Monaghan Town and Dublin remained open in the Republic of Ireland and the Gardaí would “vigorously and fully pursue” any new evidence that might emerge from the soon to be published Operation Denton Report and other sources, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD has told the Dáil. The Tánaiste was responding to a Parliamentary Question submitted by Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan Brendan Smith asking him if he had raised with the British Government the need for full co- operation into investigations concerning the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974 which resulted in the deaths of 34 people including an unborn child and constituted the biggest loss of life on a single day during the Troubles period.
The question was formally moved in Deputy Smith’s absence by his party colleague Shane Moynihan TD from the Dublin Mid-West constituency, who described Deputy Smith as “a long-time advocate on this particular issue.” Deputy Moynihan stated: “Next May marks the 51st anniversary of the tragic events of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings where 34 innocent people lost their lives and over 300 people were injured. I ask the Tánaiste about the engagement he has had with the British Government on the very credible allegations of collusion with elements of the British security forces.
What sort of reciprocation has there been to that engagement?” The Tánaiste replied: “I thank Deputy Moynihan for raising this question on behalf of Deputy Smith who has, as Deputy Moynihan has said, a long and active interest in these areas. Next month marks the 51st anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, devastating acts of violence in which 34 people, including an unborn baby, were killed and hundreds of people were injured. “At the memorial event to mark the 50th anniversary of the attacks last year in Dublin, I was honoured to lay a wreath remembering those who tragically lost their lives and to meet with families and survivors. I commend them on their courage and dignity since the…
