Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Last year I had the opportunity to meet the relatives of the victims of the Omagh bomb. This was one of the most sobering meetings I have ever attended. Over two hours, people made their case cogently that what they are in pursuit of is the truth. Why, the day before we debate the Nally report in the Dáil, has a visit to Omagh been arranged suddenly for the Taoiseach? Is this just a cynical exercise by the Taoiseach for a photo opportunity? Would he not have been far better employed to stay in Government Buildings, meet the families of the victims of the Omagh bomb and atrocity and give them a briefing on elements of the Nally report which he could discuss with them? Perhaps, as was discussed in the House, he could give them an edited version of that report without interfering or infringing upon State security.

It appears to me and to the public at large that in the Taoiseach's reply to a parliamentary question some weeks ago concerning visits outside his jurisdiction, this visit was not mentioned. When was this visit arranged and what is the purpose of the visit? Why did the Taoiseach not take the preferred path of meeting the families of the victims in Dublin, where they will happen to be on that day? On the day before the Dáil debates the Nally report, why is it not possible to give an edited version of the report to the families who time and again have said that what they want from this is the simple truth?

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