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Reacting to the publication of the report, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charles Flanagan TD, said:

“Today’s report by the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland on the Loughinisland murders in 1994 causes deep concerns.

“My thoughts are first and foremost with the families of the six victims of the terrible attack at Loughinisland, for whom today will be a very difficult reminder of their loss and pain. The Ombudsman’s report fundamentally vindicates the concerns the families have raised over many years and their continuing search for justice.

“The Ombudsman’s findings are deeply disturbing – in particular his determination that “collusion is a significant feature of the Loughinisland murders”.

“The findings must now be carefully examined with a view to the question of further investigations and possible prosecutions.

“Despite its disturbing findings, the report is an important reminder of the central importance of the Police Ombudsman in supporting public confidence in the new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland, as envisaged in the Patten Report.

“I welcome the full cooperation of the Police Service of Northern Ireland with the Police Ombudsman’s investigation. Moreover, PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton has made clear today that the PSNI remains firmly committed to apprehending those responsible for these appalling sectarian murders.

“The Police Ombudsman’s report is another stark reminder of the need to agree mechanisms for dealing with the painful legacy of the past in Northern Ireland. This is a priority for me in my engagement with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland.”