Government to release file to collusion inquiry

THE GOVERNMENT has agreed to hand over a document sought by a tribunal for its inquiry into claims of collusion by the State in the killing of two senior RUC officers 19 years ago, the High Court was told yesterday.

The Government had claimed privilege over the unidentified document and the High Court was last week asked by the Smithwick tribunal to adjudicate on that claim of privilege. The tribunal, whose sole member is former District Court president Judge Peter Smithwick, was set up in May 2005 following a recommendation by the 2003 Cory Inquiry which examined claims of collusion between Irish and British security forces and paramilitaries, including alleged collusion in the killings of the two RUC officers.

Chief Supt Harry Breen and Supt Robert Buchanan were ambushed and killed on March 20th, 1989 after they had travelled to Dundalk Garda station for a meeting with a senior Garda officer. The attack took place on their way home just across the border in Armagh and the IRA later admitted responsibility.

Last week, the tribunal asked the High Court to adjudicate on whether all or part of the document sought should be released.

Mr Justice Richard Johnson adjourned the matter until yesterday when he was told by Michael Cush SC, for the Government, that it had agreed to hand over the document in question.

Mr Cush said there was no objection to the court making an order releasing the document but was asking that part of it be blacked out. Mary Laverty SC, for the tribunal, said they were only concerned about "anything relevant" or within the terms of reference of the tribunal. Mr Justice Johnson made the order releasing the document to the tribunal.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times