Jim Higgins
Ceist:51 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has had a request for a meeting from the relatives of the Omagh bombing victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8315/02]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
Jim Higgins
Ceist:58 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of meetings there have been with the families of the Omagh bombing victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7564/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 58 together.
There have been several meetings with representatives of the families of the Omagh bombing victims. For example, last month, our Ambassador in London met members of the Omagh relatives group. Last year, my colleague the Minister of Justice, Equality and Law Reform met representatives of the families. In January 2000, the Taoiseach met Mr. Victor Barker, the father of one of the victims while an official of my Department also met representatives of the group that month.
In addition, we have received a request from the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, which represents most of the families affected by the Omagh bombing, for a meeting to discuss issues of concern. The request is currently being considered and a meeting will be arranged for a mutually convenient date in the near future.
The atrocity at Omagh was a truly barbaric act of terrorism and I again extend my sincerest sympathies and support to the families and friends of those killed and injured. I reaffirm the determination of the Irish Government, in partnership with the British Government, to bring to justice those responsible for the Omagh bombing. This issue has not gone off the agenda. The Garda Síochána, in full co-operation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, have spared no effort in their continuing investigation, which recently yielded a conviction on conspiracy charges in the Special Criminal Court. However long it takes us, the perpetrators of this evil deed will be pursued and held fully to account before the law.