Pat Finucane inquiry will seek to identify ‘all those involved’ in his murder

The terms of reference for an inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane have been published by the Government.

Mr Finucane, a human rights lawyer, was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast by the loyalist paramilitary group the Ulster Defence Association in February 1989, in an attack found by a series of investigations to have involved collusion with the state.

His widow Geraldine, who was also wounded, and the couple’s three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.

According to the terms of reference, the inquiry’s investigation will seek to determine the circumstances of Mr Finucane’s murder; to establish the identity of all those involved in his murder and the nature of their involvement; to establish whether the evidence indicates that the murder could have been prevented; and investigate acts or omissions that are relevant to the murder.

Announcing the terms of reference on Monday, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: “This was a barbaric and heinous crime.

“I commend the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family over the course of 37 years in seeking answers about the brutal murder of their loved one, and I am pleased that the inquiry will now finally be able to get under way.”

Ms Finucane said: “The establishment of this inquiry is a significant moment in that long journey.

“We welcome the publication of the terms of reference and the formal commencement of the inquiry’s work. My family and I will engage constructively with the process and will carefully consider the detail of the terms that have been set out.

“It is essential that the chair and the inquiry are fully independent and free to follow the evidence wherever it leads. We expect that the inquiry will conduct its work thoroughly, transparently and in accordance with the state’s obligations under Article 2.

“Our focus remains, as it always has been, on establishing the full truth about Pat’s murder.”

Mr Benn said the terms of reference were developed following formal consultation with chair of the inquiry Sir Gary Hickinbottom, who had consulted with the Finucane family “who provided very helpful feedback and observations”.

He added: “I would like to thank Sir Gary and the Finucane family for their engagement throughout the process.”

The inquiry will have the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.

Sir Gary said he was “grateful” for the announcement of the inquiry terms of reference and invited potential core participants to apply.

“This is an important moment, as it establishes the inquiry on a formal footing and allows us to begin our work in earnest.

“I wish to build momentum at this early stage. I intend to fulfil my duties as chair as fairly, openly and transparently as possible, operating independently from government and any other outside influence.

“I am keen for the inquiry to proceed at pace to fulfil its terms of reference and with that in mind, I am today inviting anyone who feels they may be entitled to be a core participant in this inquiry to apply to do so.”

A timeline and budget for the inquiry is to be agreed within four months.