FILES HELD BY the British government on the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings have again come under scrutiny as President Michael D Higgins called for a fresh investigation.

Speaking yesterday at an meeting between families of those killed and injured in the bombings, that left 34 people dead, he said there are still “many unanswered questions” in relation to the attacks.

During his speech he referenced two All-Party motions in 2008 and 2011 that called for access to be given to an “independent, international, judicial figure to all original documents held by the British Government relating to the atrocities”, with the aim of “assisting in the solution of these crimes”.

“The fact that these motions were supported by all shades of political opinion in the Oireachtas is reflective of the moderation and reasonableness of the request being made”, President Higgins said.

I share your hope, and that of the Irish Government, that the British Government can find a way to respond positively to this measured and constructive proposal.

He added that asking people to ‘forget about the past and move on’ isn’t acceptable, and has been important in recent years due to improvements in the relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

“As we progress towards such a better future, we must not forget those who died, those who mourn them and those who were injured”.

“A strategy of amnesia is simply not an option.”

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