Statement by Minister McEntee on the 48th anniversary of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings

"Today is a day to remember and reflect.

"On this day, 48 years ago three bombs exploded around Dublin city centre and a fourth in Monaghan Town. It will be remembered always as the greatest loss of life on a single day of the Troubles. Such a large scale tragic and unjustified loss of life continues to affect countless families. Today we remember the victims, the survivors and all those affected by these barbaric attacks.

"For the past 2 years, it was not possible to hold the remembrance ceremony in the way that we may have wished due to COVID-19 restrictions and it will, I am sure, be a relief to many to be able to meet again in person this year to remember all those murdered and injured on this day in 1974.

"The government is fully committed to seeking out the truth behind those events and, hopefully, to secure some measure of comfort for the victims’ families and the survivors. The Good Friday Agreement recognised the need for a particular acknowledgement of the position of victims. The Irish Government will not forget our duty to victims and survivors.

"Developing and establishing effective ways to address the legacy of the Troubles is a way to meet the legitimate needs and expectations of all those killed and injured in those dark days , including those victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings who are at the forefront of our minds today."