Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on contacts he is maintaining, within the remit of his Department, with the British authorities in respect of the Omagh bombing on 15 August 1998; if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body on 20 October 2008, to support a motion on the subject and to strong views of many people here that issues relating to Omagh, and the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, must be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37315/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government consistently raises with the British Government ongoing issues which are the legacy of the Troubles. This includes issues arising from the bombing in Omagh in August 1998 which resulted in appalling loss of life and injury. Following the recent revelations made by a BBC documentary relating to the Omagh bombing, I again raised our concerns with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I am also aware that the matter was the subject of a motion adopted at the recent meeting of the British- Irish Parliamentary Assembly. I will continue to monitor closely developments in this case and to remain in close touch with the British authorities.

The wider question of dealing with the past, including the Omagh and Dublin and Monaghan bombings, is among the issues being considered by the Consultative Group on the Past, co-chaired by Archbishop Robin Eames and Denis Bradley. The Government welcomed the establishment of the Consultative Group and has remained in close contact with it. In this regard, I will continue to work closely with all those seeking to bring closure to victims and survivors, and thereby assist community confidence in the wider process.