Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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198. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which he is facilitating and supporting the Omagh Inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15453/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The single worst atrocity of the troubles occurred in Omagh on 15 August 1998. The bombing was an unspeakable and brutal act of cruelty carried out by terrorists with no sense of humanity or respect for human life. We will never forget those who lost their lives, those who were injured and the families whose suffering for their loved ones continues.

The Omagh Bombing Inquiry was established by the Northern Ireland Secretary of State in March 2024 to investigate whether the bombing could have been prevented. The Inquiry's work continues. We heard the heart-breaking testimony of some of those affected who shared their experiences over the course of the commemorative hearings which concluded in February. The Inquiry will sit again in June.

From the outset, the Government has made clear its intention to do everything possible to assist the Inquiry. That is in the best interests of victims and their families and follows the Government Decision last July to assist the UK Omagh Bombing Inquiry. The Programme for Government strongly reiterates that intention, stating that we will “play our full part in legacy processes...including facilitating and supporting the Omagh Inquiry”.

The cross border nature of the assistance, to an Inquiry established under UK law, means that there are legal complexities that must be worked through in seeking to put in place mechanisms to guide and support our engagement with the Inquiry. Government officials, including officials from my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs, have engaged in the detail of this work, meeting regularly with the Inquiry team. These discussions have progressed well and I expect to seek Government approval to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the sharing of Irish material in the coming weeks. This will be an important step forward.

Along with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, I am committed to assisting the Inquiry to the greatest extent possible consistent with our laws including the constitutional rights of individuals. Should it be necessary to bring forward legislation to support this assistance to the Inquiry, the Government has made clear that this will be done.

In parallel with discussing with the Inquiry team how best to structure our engagement over the course of its work, some practical measures have been put in place. In particular, a central point of contact (CPC) has been established in my Department to ensure timely and effective management of all requests for assistance from the Inquiry. Key State authorities who may have relevant records have also nominated contact points to support the operation of the CPC. A number of requests for material have already been received and are being examined by relevant authorities. Last month an application was made to the High Court on behalf of the Inquiry seeking access to various records of Special Criminal Court.

The Government will continue to engage with the Omagh Inquiry Team to find solutions, consistent with Irish law, to enable us to fulfil our commitment to assisting the Inquiry.