Ahern says McCabe killers will be freed for NI deal

The Taoiseach said that the killers of Det Garda Jerry McCabe would be released if an agreement was reached in the North.

Mr Ahern said the Government would consult with the McCabe family, their representatives and the Garda.

"This is not a question on which I want to have ambiguity," he added.

"If we are to have a comprehensive deal, this matter will be part of it, and I would recommend that that be the case. I do not see how we will be able to deal with it otherwise," he added.

Mr Ahern was replying to the Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, who said that when the possibility of the release of Det Garda McCabe's killers was raised earlier this year, there was public outrage throughout the Republic.

"It has been suggested that there is now a similar situation," he added.

"In view of the guarantees given by the Government, both by the Taoiseach and the previous Minister for Justice [Mr O'Donoghue], will the Taoiseach confirm one way or the other whether this matter is under discussion or part of any outstanding matter to be dealt with?"

Mr Ahern said that at the time of the Belfast Agreement, there was a large number of prisoners, some of whom were released in 1998 and the remainder in 1999.

"In regard to the murder of Jerry McCabe, and the injuring of Ben O'Sullivan, we took the view that the prisoners would not be released.

"It is exactly five years since we said they would not be released under the Agreement," Mr Ahern added.

"In the subsequent discussions in March last year and one year ago, it was clear that if we were to get to a position where we would have decommissioning of IRA arms held by the IRA leadership in GHQ. . . there would be instructions to IRA volunteers," Mr Ahern said.

"The Government, as part of a comprehensive agreement, would give consideration to the early release of the prisoners, not under the Agreement but under earlier acts, of which I think two are involved," he added.

"That is still the position of the Government. I have confirmed this on a number of times. I know the difficulties involved and that we would have to engage in discussions with the families, which we would do, and the Garda representative body.

"It is still an outstanding issue," he said.

"To be frank and open - this is the place to say it - it is my belief that if we are to have a comprehensive agreement, this is an issue that will have to be part of the final deal."

Mr Kenny pointed out that the Taoiseach had said the following in February, 1999: "I have continually and unambiguously made clear since Good Friday, 10th April, 1998, that any reference by the Sinn Féin negotiators regarding the release of the late Jerry McCabe's murderers could not be considered."

"At no time was anyone given any comfort about these people and neither will they be," Mr Kenny said.