The Commission of Investigation into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings has been given a three-month extension to establish if it can obtain documents and information in the possession of security services.
The Taoiseach announced yesterday that he had agreed to a request from Patrick MacEntee SC, the sole member of the commission, for an extension of his remit until May 31st next. His final report was due to be submitted yesterday.
In an interim report Mr MacEntee said he considered it his duty to attempt to obtain documents and information he considered likely to be in the possession of security and intelligence services.
The Taoiseach said it was clear that Mr MacEntee had made considerable progress but it was equally clear that he needed more time to pursue specific inquiries, as there remained important opportunities to advance the investigation that might otherwise be lost. "It is, of course, unfortunate that the victims and survivors of these terrible atrocities will have to wait a further period before the final report is available, However, I believe they will agree on the importance of Mr MacEntee being allowed sufficient time to pursue any lines of inquiry that he deems relevant," said the Taoiseach.