Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
153. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the engagements that he has had with a person (details supplied) and the families of the Omagh bomb victims; the steps he has taken to commence a full cross-Border public enquiry into the Omagh bombing; and if he will engage with the victims’ families as the 23rd anniversary of the tragedy approaches in August. [38227/21]
View answerThe bombing at Omagh on 15 August 1998, 23 years ago next month, is among the most appalling acts of terrorist violence committed during the conflict in Northern Ireland.
It was a cowardly attack on innocent people enjoying a sunny afternoon in Omagh town centre. We must never forget those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and the families whose suffering for their lost loved ones continues to this day as a result of this bombing.
My Department has engaged regularly with victims’ groups in Omagh, including through the Reconciliation Fund, which has awarded €51,000 in total to the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group since 2005. Organisations like this and others supporting victims and their families across this island do crucial work.
In 2018, the then Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan carried out a comprehensive review of a submission from Omagh Support and Self Help Group calling for a Public Inquiry into the bombing. Minister Flanagan concluded that there was not significant new and credible evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the State or its agencies being put forward that would warrant the establishment of a public inquiry.
It is a matter of deep regret and disappointment that no one stands convicted of this atrocity. An Garda Síochána remains ready and willing to pursue any new or credible evidence that might be brought forward that could advance the investigation. I call on anyone who has any evidence that could assist the investigation to bring that evidence to the Gardaí.
The Government is continuing to work to support the implementation of the legacy framework provided for under the Stormont House Agreement, to provide families with a means to access whatever truth and justice that is possible in their cases, and as a very necessary step in achieving a fully reconciled society.
