Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the assistance provided by the Government to the Omagh inquiry taking place in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15428/25]

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 in the town of Omagh in August 1998 could reasonably have been prevented by UK state authorities. The Inquiry's work is continuing. It concluded its commemorative and personal statements hearings in February and will sit again in June. Evidential hearings will commence next March.

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 is reflected in the formal decision by the Government last July.

Last month, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chairman of the Inquiry, Lord Alan Turnbull, on matters relating to the disclosure of materials to the Inquiry. This is a truly important step to delivering on the commitment in the Programme for Government, to “play our full part in legacy processes...including facilitating and supporting the Omagh Inquiry”.

This is a complex area, given that it involves assisting an inquiry in another jurisdiction however, the signing of the MOU proves that it is possible to navigate the legal complexities and move forward.

The MOU provides transparency in relation to how the Government will fulfil its commitment and provides a clear framework to guide Departments and their agencies who may hold materials potentially relevant to the work of the Inquiry.

My Department and the Inquiry will maintain regular contact to support the operation of the MOU and 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. In March, an application was made to the High Court on behalf of the Inquiry seeking access to various records of the Special Criminal Court.

Along with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, I am committed to assisting the Inquiry to the greatest extent possible consistent within our laws and the 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.

The Government has made considerable effort in the past to facilitate cross border cooperation in circumstances where no structured framework existed. For example, the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Act 2019 was enacted to enable the taking of oral evidence from An Garda Síochána for the purposes of the Kingsmill Inquest.

The Government will continue to work with the Omagh Inquiry Team to find solutions, consistent with Irish law, to enable us to fulfil our commitment to assisting the Inquiry as set out in the Government Decision last July.