Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the apparent non-co-operation of both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice and Equality with the Omagh Support & Self Help Group, which is headed up by Michael Gallagher in Omagh. It commissioned a report approximately 19 months ago on what occurred on that dreadful day in 1998 when so many lost their lives as a result of the Real IRA's bombing of Omagh town centre. The group has requested a meeting with the Taoiseach numerous times, which to date has been refused despite the Taoiseach's public utterances to the contrary on live television. However, he has not lived up to the commitments he has given in this regard.

The second issue concerns the report that was provided to the Minister for Justice and Equality on 19 July 2012 and to which he has not even responded. Answers from the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice and Equality are required, as well as a clear commitment to engage in a public inquiry into the atrocity of 1998. I ask the Leader to facilitate a debate in this House in the presence of the Taoiseach. While another debate could be held in the presence of the Minister for Justice and Equality on a separate occasion, the Taoiseach certainly should be called before this House to answer some valid questions from the families of those who lost loved ones on that dreadful day. The Leader should see to this, as this House could play a meaningful role in this regard.

The second issue I wish to raise concerns the new building regulations that come into effect next Saturday, 1 March. Effectively, this means that only registered contractors can build new houses, which means those who wish to self-build will be precluded from so doing and on average, it will push up the costs of building a home by at least 25%. This is unrealistic, people cannot afford it, the banks are not lending money and it also will have an impact on the property market. While these regulations are due to come into effect on Saturday, there has been little or no discussion in respect of them. I ask the Leader to arrange, if possible tomorrow, to have a debate on this issue with the Minister of State with responsibility for housing or the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.