The second Barron report into various atrocities that took place at the heart of the Troubles over 30 years ago will be brought before the Cabinet this month, it was confirmed today.
Mr Justice Henry Barron investigated the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973 as well as many other pre-1974 bombings. He also studied the murders of Bríd Carr in 1971, Oliver Boyce and Bríd Porter. The report was published in June.
The Taoiseach told the Dáil its findings would be studied shortly and also announced he had received the report into the murder of Seamus Ludlow in Co Louth in 1976.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern
He expressed the hope that if the two reports are pushed through Government before Christmas an Oireachtas committee could deal with both together early next year.
Mr Ahern also told the Dáil he had recommended the establishment of a Weston Park-style inquiry into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and and was awaiting an official response.
"It is our view that the British should deal with those issues in a Weston Park-style inquiry in their jurisdiction," he said. "It is unlikely that in our investigation the kind of people we would like to appear would appear.
"I think that would be the most appropriate and quickest way to deal with it and Judge Cory's model has proved to be very efficient."
He promised to keep up the pressure on the British authorities to co-operate with an inquiry, but said there were a number of issues arising from the Oireachtas report which the Irish could investigate independently. He said legislation would be passed to allow a commission to be established on that basis.
"Why was the Garda investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings wound down in August 1974?" he said. "Why did the Garda not follow up on all the leads that were there and in particular information on the white van with an English registration plate?
"There was information relating to a man staying in the Four Courts Hotel between May 15th and 17th 1974 and his contacts with the UVF and information surrounding the sighting of a British Army Corporal allegedly sighted in Dublin at the time of the bombings on a number of times.
"It is important to do all that we possibly and physically can on our side and my intention will be to see that through as much as we can in 2005," Mr Ahern said.
He said investigations which could be dealt with also included whether missing documentation could be located and whether current systems were adequate to prevent reoccurrence.
Justice Barron published his first report - an investigation into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings last December.
A third report on later cases, including the Dundalk bombing of 1975 and the Castleblayney bombing, may be finished by the end of the year, Mr Ahern said.
PA