197. Mr Finian McGrath T.D (Ind Dublin Nth Central) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an updated report in regard to the Shot at Dawn campaign (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4919/03

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen): On 5 November 2002, I indicated to the House that I would welcome an opportunity for my officials to enter a dialogue on this issue with either the relatives of those concerned or their representatives. Accordingly, officials from my Department met in November of last year with the co-ordinator of the Irish branch of the Shot at Dawn campaign. This group is lobbying for pardons for those soldiers who, in their opinion, were unjustly executed while serving in the British Army during the First World War. This number includes 26 apparently born on the island of Ireland. I also requested that our embassy in London look into this matter and it has provided much useful infor [1485] mation about the progress of the Shot at Dawn campaign in Britain.

The question of seeking retrospective pardons so long after the event is clearly a complex matter and the Government is carefully considering its approach to this issue. In doing so we are mindful of the likely sensitivities of the relatives concerned.

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