Statement by Minister for Justice Simon Harris on the 49th anniversary of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings

"Today we remember the victims of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, their families and loved ones.

"Today marks the 49th anniversary of that terrible day, when three bombs exploded in Dublin city centre and a fourth in Monaghan Town. It is hard to believe that on a day such as this all those years ago, ordinary people going about their daily lives had those lives so callously and brutally attacked. But, like so many other incidents of violence on this island during the troubles, that was the tragic reality for those caught up in the bombings on that day.

"The scale of this atrocity will always be remembered. It was the greatest loss of life on a single day of the Troubles and it continues to affect countless families. 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.

"Twenty five years on from the Good Friday Agreement, it is important that we remember what has been achieved since 1998, but also challenge ourselves to take up the crucial work of reconciliation. The Good Friday Agreement recognised the need for a particular acknowledgement of the position of victims.

"Last week I met with the families of another group of victims of the Troubles, the Disappeared, victims of paramilitary violence who were murdered and secretly buried during the Troubles. So many on this island have been affected by the multitude of horrific acts that were carried out during the Troubles and the Irish Government will not forget our duty to victims and survivors."