Public Inquiries

In May 2002 the Irish and British Governments announced the appointment of Justice Peter Cory, a former Judge of the Canadian Supreme Court, to conduct investigations into allegations of collusion in six cases.  This had been agreed during negotiations with the Northern Ireland political parties at Weston Park in July 2001.

 Judge Cory subsequently recommended to the British Government that public inquiries be held into the murders of Rosemary Nelson, Patrick Finucane, Robert Hamill and Billy Wright. Click here to access copies of Judge Cory’s reports.

 Three of these inquiries have already been set up into the murders of Rosemary Nelson, Billy Wright and Robert Hamill. 

A public inquiry has yet to be announced into the murder of Belfast solicitor Patrick Finucane who was killed on 19 February 1989.  The Irish Government has supported his family in their international campaign for an independent public inquiry.

Judge Cory also recommended that the Irish Government establish a Tribunal of Inquiry into suggestions that members of the Garda Siochána or other employees of the State, colluded in the fatal shootings of RUC Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and RUC Superintendent Bob Buchanan on 20 March 1989.  The Tribunal is chaired by Judge Peter Smithwick and can be contacted at Block C, 9/13 Blackhall Place, Dublin 7. Tel: 01-7994565.  

In January 1998, the British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced an inquiry into the events in Derry on Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972.  This followed a detailed assessment by the Irish Government (PDF 556kb) that analysed Lord Widgery’s findings in the light of new material available. The Bloody Sunday inquiry was held in Derry and London and was chaired by Lord Saville. He is currently completing his final report to the British Government.