Oct. 7, 2003

The British Government today welcomed the delivery of Justice Cory's reports on allegations of collusion between security forces and paramilitaries.

Justice Cory is delivering his reports in four cases to the British Government this morning and his reports in two further cases to the Irish Government this evening.

"I am extremely grateful to Justice Cory and his team for their hard work and commitment," Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Paul Murphy said. In undertaking this role, Justice Cory has labored long hours at significant personal cost and I am indebted to him.

"The two Governments are determined that where there are allegations of collusion the truth should emerge. We will consider the reports urgently and undertake to publish them as soon as possible, in line with the terms of reference."

Background on Agreement:

1. The Weston Park Agreement committed the two Government to appointing a judge of international standing from outside both jurisdictions to undertake a thorough investigation of allegations of collusion in the cases, of the murders of Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan, Pat Finucane, Lord Justice and Lady Gibson, Robert Hamill, Rosemary Nelson and Billy Wright.
2. Former Canadian Supreme Court judge, Justice Peter Cory was appointed by the two Governments on May 29, 2002. Each report was stored securely by the Canadian authorities until the conclusion of his investigation.
3. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Paul Murphy received the reports involving the British cases from Judge Cory this morning. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will receive the reports involving the Irish cases from Judge Cory this evening.
4. As specified in the Judge's terms of reference: "The relevant Government will publish the final reports (but not the documents on which they are based) subject only to any necessary adjustments to ensure that the privacy and right to life of individuals is protected, and that the relevant Government's obligations in relation to ensuring justice and protecting national security are maintained." A copy of the judge's terms of reference was placed in the House of Commons Library in June, 2002.