Senior counsel Patrick MacEntee's investigation into the 1974 bombings, which claimed the lives of 33 people, is expected to be critical of the garda investigation into the atrocities.

MacEntee handed the report to the government 12 days ago and it has now been approved by the attorney general.

Sources say that the Taoiseach will definitely approve its release before the Dail's Easter break.

Meanwhile, a 37-year-old man who was injured in the bombings while witnessing his father's death is to sue the state.

Edward O'Neill was out walking on Parnell Street with his father and older brother on 17 May 1974 when a car bomb exploded, killing his father and leaving the then five-year-old in hospital for nearly a year.