Wreaths have been laid at a monument in Dublin to mark the 49th anniversary of four bombs that killed more than 30 people and injured almost 300 others.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said it was important that governments put victims and their families “centre-stage” before he laid the wreath and addressed the ceremony on Wednesday.
On May 17th, 1974, three no-warning bombs went off across Dublin city centre and one in Monaghan town.
No-one has ever been convicted over the bombings that have been blamed on loyalist paramilitaries.
An official memorial in Dublin honours the 35 victims of the bombings, which include two unborn babies.
So many on this island have been affected by the multitude of horrific acts that were carried out during the Troubles and the Irish Government will not forget our duty to victims and survivors
“Twenty-five years on from the Good Friday Agreement, it is important that we remember what has been achieved since 1998, but also challenge ourselves to take up the crucial work of reconciliation.
“The Good Friday Agreement recognised the need for a particular acknowledgement of the position of victims.”
Last week, Mr Harris met with the families of the Disappeared, including Oliver McVeigh, the brother of missing 19-year-old Columba McVeigh.
“So many on this island have been affected by the multitude of horrific acts that were carried out during the Troubles and the Irish Government will not forget our duty to victims and survivors,” Mr Harris said.
