THE TÁNAISTE AND Minister for Foreign Affairs has apologised to the families of RUC superintendents Harry Breen and Robert Buchanan following the publication of the Smithwick Tribunal report.
In a statement issued this evening, Eamon Gilmore said the murders of the two men deprived June Breen and Catherine Buchanan of their husbands, and Gillian and George Breen and Heather and William Buchanan of devoted fathers.
He also said that members of An Garda Síochána would be shocked that Justice Peter Smithwick found probable collusion between members and the Provisional IRA in the killing of the two senior RUC officers.
“The actions documented in this report are a betrayal of the values and the very ethos of an Garda Síochána, as the guardians of peace,” added Gilmore, who apologised on behalf of both the government and people of Ireland.
He noted that he was appalled and saddened by the finding of probable collusion.
“Public scrutiny and transparency are essential to confidence in policing and in the rule of law. Whilst the findings of the Report make for difficult reading, I welcome its publication and thank Judge Smithwick for the work he has done over eight years to ensure the transparency we require,” he concluded.
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