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 must never forget that it is they who carry responsibility for this brutal act.
We will also never forget those who lost their lives, those who were injured and the families whose suffering for their loved ones continues. The Tánaiste and I met recently with family members of some of those who lost their lives in the Omagh bombing to hear directly from those affected. As the Deputy is aware, the Government has always sought to acknowledge and address the legitimate needs and expectations of victims’ families and survivors of Troubles-related attacks.
As the Deputy is aware, in response to a judgment of the Belfast High Court, the UK Government announced that it intends to establish an inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing. The Chair has been nominated and the terms of reference of the Inquiry are awaited. The terms of reference, when published, will provide clarity on the nature of that inquiry.
For our part, the Government has indicated our desire to ensure that there is nothing unanswered in this jurisdiction at the end of the UK inquiry and ultimately this will inform the decision here on the nature of any supporting mechanism that may be required in this jurisdiction.
Of course, it goes without saying that, as has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this State will continue to cooperate fully as may be required. A number of measures are available to provide for cooperation, and mechanisms have been put in place in recent years, including primary legislation in the form of the Criminal Justice (international Co-operation) Act 2019, which, as the Deputy is aware, includes provisions for Garda cooperation with statutory inquiries in the UK.
The Tánaiste and I, in consultation with our Cabinet colleagues, will keep under consideration what further action may be required on our part.
