10/12/2003

Report into Dublin and Monaghan bombings expected

A report into one of the worst atrocities in Northern Irelands 'Troubles' is to be released on Wednesday.

The Barron report has been examining the evidence behind the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 17 May 1974, which killed 33 people.

The UVF eventually claimed responsibility for the attacks, however over the years rumours have abound that British security forces had colluded with loyalists to enable such a strike.

In December 1999, the bereaved families of the victims and the injured survivors of the bombings, in negotiations with the Irish Government, succeeded in having an Independent Commission of Inquiry into the bombings established.

The Barron report is the result of four years of inquiry by Mr Justice Barron and his predecessor the late Chief Justice Hamilton.

It is understood that Judge Barron has conducted a thorough inquiry into all aspects of the Garda investiagion and has examined security and intelligence arrangements within the State and cross-Border security co-operation. He has also interviewed former Government ministers and members of the Gardaí as well as meeting former British Army officers and RUC officers.

(MB)

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