The final report of the MacEntee Commission on the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings is expected to be given to the Government next week and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has promised to published it as soon as possible.
Mr Ahern said he hoped to publish the report before the Easter recess while the Dáil was still sitting, but it depended on what was in the report and on legal advice from the Attorney General.
The commission member, senior counsel Paddy MacEntee, had sought eight extensions for the completion of the report and "it seems clear from his interim reports that he has uncovered important information relating to his terms of reference".
He also said it was "essential that justice is done and is seen to be done" following the publication of the report by the North's Police Ombudsman Mrs Nuala O'Loan on collusion between the RUC and loyalist paramilitaries. In "the face of such a damning report, follow-up action and reassurance is essential".
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte asked what Mr Ahern meant by this and what were the real prospects of prosecutions.
Mr Ahern said the difference between the Raymond McCord case and the other cases investigated for collusion, was that it was more recent and "the people concerned are still in the system".
Some of those concerned "have since retired but many remain in the PSNI".
The Taoiseach had raised the issue with the British government and it "has to follow up the issues involved". Mr Ahern pointed out that the families involved had different opinions.
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