Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 4

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Joan Burton

Question:

116 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the matters discussed at his meeting on 8 September 2003 with representatives of the Omagh bomb victims; the assistance it is intended to provide to the group to pursue civil action against those they view to be responsible; if members of the Garda will be permitted to give evidence in the case; if it is intended to provide financial assistance, such as that provided by the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23360/03]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

190 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a request for a meeting from representatives of those who were injured or lost relatives in the Omagh bombing; if it is intended to meet the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19845/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 190 together.

On 2 September 2003, I had a useful meeting with legal representatives of the Omagh Relatives Civil Action Group. I indicated to the legal representatives that the Government and the Garda Síochána were anxious to be as helpful as possible, that we would consider their requests for assistance in a number of areas, including that of Garda evidence, and that our approach to this matter would be subject to the advice of the Attorney General.

On 8 September 2003, I met with members of the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group. The meeting focused on the current status of the investigation into the Omagh bombing, the civil action, including its funding, procedures for dealing with bomb threats and the report of the group chaired by Mr. Dermot Nally which was established to examine allegations made in a report by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. These allegations related primarily to the handling of intelligence information relating to the activities of paramilitary groups.

In so far as the funding of the civil action, which has been initiated in another jurisdiction, is concerned, I advised the group that funding for their action was not available from this jurisdiction. However, I did point out that, with regard to the issue of funding generally, the Government was committed to making a sizeable donation to the Northern Ireland memorial fund which assists all the victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland.

Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 93.