Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In answer to both Deputies' questions, I absolutely will. I congratulate Deputy McGuinness on his election too. He can take it as read that I am very happy to continue that engagement and to work with him on a cross-party basis on this issue.

In the brief time available to me, I will return to the issue of the Omagh inquiry because I want to be very clear on this. When I was in Belfast - this was on the first day of the commemorative hearings of the Omagh inquiry - I noted that the Government took a very clear decision to assist the Omagh inquiry when we communicated publicly at the preliminary hearing last July. I further note on the record of the House that the programme for Government repeats that commitment, stating explicitly that we will play our full part in the legacy process including facilitating and supporting the Omagh inquiry. The cross-Border nature of the assistance which is being provided to the inquiry requires some work but I wish to be very clear that we will not be found wanting. We will assist the inquiry and will make sure the people get access to truth and information.

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