Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the second matter, as the Deputy said, the conclusions of the Gibson report, which were published last week, do not support the allegations made in the "Panorama" programme that at the relevant time vital intercept evidence which might have prevented the bombing or help bring the perpetrators to justice was not passed sufficiently promptly to the police. That was not the finding of the Gibson report when it looked into those allegations. As the report deals with intelligence matters within the British system, it is subject to legal constraints. On that basis, I do not expect we will receive a full copy of the report.

With regard to the Eames-Bradley proposals, I understand they have yet to be presented formally. There was talk in the media during the week as to what the content may be but the proposals have not been formally published, or that was certainly the case earlier this week. Until such time as we have it and give it proper consideration, comment by me would not be helpful.

Clearly, it is a very difficult area, as Deputies know. Both Mr. Bradley and Archbishop Eames are held in high regard. They have obviously put a point of view arising from all of their consideration of the matter. There have been various comments on the reported contents of the report, and based on some of those comments, it may not meet with full support. However, it is best to await the publication of the report to see exactly what it says. I understand the report runs to 160 pages, covering such themes as the legacy of the past, reconciliation, support for victims and survivors, addressing society issues and justice and information recovery. As I said, a more detailed response would be preferable when the report is received.

Regarding the question of a cross-Border body, it is not something we propose to set up. I fully understand the continuing hurt and suffering of the Omagh families and the pain the people of Omagh have felt, which is as deep as it was at the time of the atrocity. We have had a number of trials and investigations on both sides of the Border and there is still a criminal case before the courts here, on which it would not be appropriate for me to comment, I am advised. A civil case which the families have taken is also ongoing. We have been able to see gardaí giving evidence, and we have heard evidence in the South on that issue. The question of whether a further review of all the evidence, in addition to what the Ombudsman at the time and others reported on, would be of greater benefit than concentrating on the criminal case that is still ongoing, is an issue that can be considered with regard to whether it would add to the situation or not.

I know this is a very difficult situation for the families and I do not want anything I say to be interpreted in any way as being less than sympathetic to them, but all of these various cases have been and are being taken in an effort to bring the perpetrators to justice, which, at the end of the day, can only be done through the criminal law.

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