The Irish Government has pledged to introduce new legislation “if required” to assist with a landmark public inquiry into the Omagh bombing.
Speaking on the opening day of the hearing examining whether the single worst atrocity of the Troubles could have been prevented, the director general at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ruairí de Búrca, outlined the Government’s commitment to ensuring “there is nothing left unanswered in our jurisdiction”.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure that this spirit of co-operation endures. This will be grounded in law to support concrete action,” Mr de Burca told the inquiry sitting in Omagh on Tuesday.
Names of each of the 29 victims of the Real IRA attack on August 15th, 1998, were read aloud at the beginning of the preliminary hearing at the Strule Arts Centre.
Bereaved families and survivors were among those who attended and bowed their heads as a minute’s silence was held.
Unborn twins were also killed in the explosion after a bomb was detonated in the town’s Market Street on a Saturday afternoon, just months after the signing of the Belfast Agreement.
Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Aiden in the blast, was singled out for bringing a judicial review that led to the inquiry being ordered by the UK government following a lengthy legal battle by families.
Mr Gallagher sat in the front row of the public gallery beside former NI Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan, who previously investigated the bombing and said she believed it could have been prevented.
In his opening address, inquiry chair Alan Turnbull described the trauma caused as “enduring” and told those present that suitably qualified staff would be present throughout to provide support.
Mr Turnbull, a Scottish judge, vowed to work “rigorously and fearlessly” to determine if reasonable steps could have taken by UK state authorities to prevent the attack, which he said was the “essence” of his team’s work.
He added that the inquiry’s “defining characteristic is its independence” and that it would adopt a “trauma informed approach”.
Some of the more sensitive evidence may be heard in closed session due to national security issues but a summary of this material will be delivered, Mr Turnbull said.
The UK government ordered the inquiry last year in the wake of a High Court ruling there was a “real prospect” the bombing could have prevented. It also recommended a simultaneous investigation in the Republic.
Earlier this month, the Irish Government formally agreed to provide assistance.
Counsel to the inquiry, Paul Greaney KC referred to a series of meetings which have taken place between the inquiry team and Irish Government representatives and An Garda Síochána since March, adding he was “grateful” for the “co-operative and constructive approach”.
However, Mr Greaney said this engagement must now move to a “practical phase” to ensure that “clear written agreements are put into place” to allow the inquiry full access to relevant material held by the Republic’s state authorities – so that it has the ability to obtain statements and call witnesses to “give evidence in person”.
John McBurney, a solicitor representing several families, told reporters that only “half the picture” will be provided unless key information is provided by the Republic.
“What was known in the place where the bomb was made, what was known about the people who were involved ... If you don’t start there with the information that was known there, how on earth will the UK authorities try to ... dismantle what was happening in Omagh?” said Mr McBurney.
Speaking after the hearing, Mr Gallagher said it had taken families “a long time to get here” but welcomed the progress and the “positive” engagement with the Irish Government.
“The inquiry will work well if there’s open access by the Irish Government. Everything looks hopeful at the moment, and we’re staying positive on it,” he said.
He also said it was “hugely important” that the victims’ names were read out.
The inquiry will not hear evidence or call witnesses until early next year.
