Minister Ahern welcomes publication of Judge Barron’s Report

Minister Ahern welcomes publication of Judge Barron's Report on the 1975 Dundalk bombing

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D. welcomed this evening the publication by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights of the fourth and final report by Judge Henry Barron.  The main focus of the Report is the bombing of Kay's Tavern in Dundalk on 19 December 1975, which had been included for consideration by Judge Barron following the Minister's recommendation to the Government.

The Minister said

“I would like to thank Judge Barron for his examination of the bombing, which took place at Kay's Tavern, Dundalk Christmas week 1975. My thoughts are with the families of Hugh Watters and Jack Rooney, who lost their lives in the blast and also with those who sustained injuries.  I share their determination to have the truth behind the bombing revealed for once and for all. 

We are reminded today of those dark days, when many innocent families were targeted both North and South of the border. I commend Judge Barron and his team for the extensive research he carried out into the actions of loyalist paramilitaries at that time.  He has also reviewed other attacks, including the bombs at Castleblaney, the attacks on the Rock Bar, Keady and Donnelly's Bar, Silverbridge and the awful shootings of some members of the Miami Showband, among others.”

The Minister added that he looked forward to the public hearings into the report which will be conducted by the Oireachtas Committee in September.  He said that both the Government and the Oireachtas Committee recognise that full co-operation by the British authorities was essential, in uncovering the truth behind the allegations of collusion by the security forces with loyalist paramilitaries at the time.

ENDS +++
5 July 2006
Press Office