Labour demands publication of Barron report

Labour has called on the Government to immediately publish the Barron report into the 1976 murder of Seamus Ludlow.

Labour has called on the Government to immediately publish the Barron report into the 1976 murder of Seamus Ludlow.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dail in March that the inquiry would be published in coming weeks but Labour's justice spokesman Joe Costello said today that the Government was still considering legal advice on the matter.

Mr Costello said publication of the report was now essential following disturbing disclosures at this week's inquest into the death of Mr Ludlow.

Mr Ludlow, a forestry worker, was murdered by a gang of four loyalists just outside Dundalk in May 1976.

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Mr Costello said: "Seven months later the report still has not been published and there is still no indication as to when it will be referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights.

"The Dail and the Ludlow family are entitled to an explanation from the Taoiseach as to why he has failed to honour this commitment."

Mr Justice Henry Barron presented the report to the Cabinet earlier this year. A Government spokesman said today: "Legal advice is still being considered in relation to the report."

Dublin Central TD Mr Costello said that evidence heard at this week's inquest into the death of Mr Ludlow raised very serious questions for both the British and Irish authorities.

"There must be no question of suppressing or delaying publication of the report because of any embarrassment that may be caused for any individuals," he said.

"It is essential that the report should now be published to allow the Oireachtas Committee to consider in full its implications, to hold hearings and to make any recommendation that may be required in regard to possible further inquiries into the many still unanswered questions about Mr Ludlow's death and the inquiry into his murder."