Written Statement by Paul Murphy on the Terms of Reference for the Rosemary Nelson Inquiry, 24 March 2005

Written Statement by Paul Murphy, then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, on the Terms of Reference for the Rosemary Nelson Inquiry, House of Commons, (24 March 2005)

"On 16 November 2004 I announced the terms of reference for the Inquiries into the deaths of Robert Hamill, Rosemary Nelson and Billy Wright. All three Inquiries have now begun their work.

In the light of its considerations so far, the Rosemary Nelson Inquiry has asked me to consider amending its terms of reference in order to make clear beyond any doubt that the actions of the Army and the security and intelligence agencies fall within their scope.

I am happy to do so and I am giving notice today that I am amending the Inquiry's terms of reference at their request so that they now read as follows:

To inquire into the death of Rosemary Nelson with a view to determining whether any act or omission by or within the Royal Ulster Constabulary, Northern Ireland Office, Army or other state agency facilitated her death or obstructed the investigation of it, or whether attempts were made to do so; whether any such act or omission was intentional or negligent; whether the investigation of her death was carried out with due diligence; and to make recommendations."