Dublin/Monaghan bombings inquestThe Dublin City Coroner has told the jury at the Dublin and Monaghan bombings inquest that it has not been proven loyalist paramilitaries were involved in the atrocities of May 17th, 1974.
Dr Brian Farrell was addressing the jury following more than three weeks of evidence at the inquests of the 34 victims of the bombings.
The jury retired yesterday afternoon and is due to give its verdict on the killings today.
Dr Farrell instructed the jury that any finding it made was subject to a standard of proof that it was "beyond a reasonable doubt".
While the evidence heard during the last 15 days indicated that the atrocities were perpetrated by a "named loyalist paramilitary group", he said it had not been proven to that standard.
"I must suggest to you that the evidence given at this inquest, while it indicates the involvement of a loyalist paramilitary group, this fact is not established beyond a reasonable doubt."
However, he said, it was open to the jury to state that the evidence did indicate the involvement of loyalist paramilitaries. He added that all the evidence heard was on the public record and it might be preferable to allow the public record to "speak for itself" on the matter.
"Many issues have arisen at this inquest.
"We have heard mention of the type of bombs used, we have heard mention of IRA bombs, we have heard mention of loyalist bombs, we have heard mention of the UVF and of the suspects information gathered by the Garda part of the inquiry."
But he said that while there was contact with the RUC at the time, the Police Service of Northern Ireland had not provided information about its investigations, and had not sent any representative to the inquest.
"We do not have the benefit of the results of the RUC investigation and I think I am on record as saying that that is to be regretted," Dr Farrell said.
The Coroner's Court had requested the PSNI to provide a summary of its investigation and witnesses. But the Chief Constable, Mr Hugh Orde, had refused the request.
The inquest did not have the power to summons individuals from outside the State, Dr Farrell said.
"You may wish to note that the inquest does not have extra territorial jurisdiction," he told the jury.
"You may wish to say that these matters may need to be addressed in another forum," he said.
The PSNI was contacted to inquire whether anyone had been interned in Northern Ireland in connection with the bombings, Dr Farrell said.
A letter from the PSNI private secretary, Mr Richard Lennon, was received yesterday.
It stated that there was "nothing to suggest" anyone was interned on suspicion of connection to the bombings.
However, individuals interned for other reasons may have been connected with the incidents, it stated.
Dr Farrell gave the jury a summary of the evidence of the 123 witnesses who have attended or provided written depositions during the last three weeks, before adjourning the inquest to this morning.
