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Omagh inquiry bill to get priority drafting

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan has secured approval for the priority drafting of a bill to enable the taking of oral testimony for the purposes of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

The proposed legislation will provide a bespoke legal mechanism to facilitate the taking of sworn testimony from State bodies before a judge of the High Court.

Work will commence immediately on the drafting for it to be in place for the inquiry’s evidential hearings due to start next year.

The proposed legislation is modelled on the mechanism contained in the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 2019 to enable the taking of oral testimony for the purposes of Troubles-related inquests.

Evidential opportunities

It includes new features aimed at maximising the evidential opportunities available to the chair.

Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the move is essential to addressing the enormous impact of Troubles-related violence and the “legitimate needs and expectations of victims’ families and survivors who have long searched for truth and accountability."