Government commits to 'persevere' to seek the truth behind the Dublin and Monaghan bombings

On the 51st anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings yesterday, Saturday, May 17, the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has said the Government will "persevere in our efforts to seek out the truth behind the tragic events".

Kilcormac woman Josie Bradley was one of 34 people including an unborn baby killed by bombings.

Aged 21 at the time, she died in hospital from her injuries.

O'Callaghan also said the investigation into the bombings remains an open case in this jurisdiction.

In his statement yesterday, he said: “Today marks the 51st anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, a devastating series of coordinated explosions in Dublin city centre and in Monaghan town.

“Today, we remember all those that tragically lost their lives and we remember the survivors of the bombings. We think of their families and friends whose loved ones were injured or killed, and who have carried unbearable loss and traumatic memories for over five decades.

“The Government will not forget our duty to the victims and survivors, and we will persevere in our efforts to seek out the truth behind the tragic events of 17 May 1974 and, hopefully, secure some measure of comfort for those effected by these callous attacks.

“We have worked consistently to implement the all-party motions which call on the British Government to allow access to all relevant documents relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings and I specifically raised this issue with the British Government at the recent meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at Hillsborough Castle.

“The investigation into the bombings remains an open case in this jurisdiction. Any new evidence that comes to light will be fully investigated by An Garda Síochána.

“The Government is committed to working with victims’ groups and our Northern Ireland and British counterparts to develop fit-for-purpose mechanisms to meet the needs and expectations of all those impacted by those dark days, including the victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. We will play our full part in legacy processes including addressing the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction.”