Omagh inquiry starts under bespoke legal mechanism
The International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Act 2026 is in operation as of yesterday (15 June) following signing of the commencement order on 12 June last, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has announced.
The act provides a bespoke legal mechanism to facilitate the taking of oral testimony before a judge of the High Court from State bodies and former ministerial office holders for the purposes of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.
Sworn testimony
It will be open to the chair to request assistance in the form of sworn oral testimony from An Garda Síochána and to request that other relevant State bodies be designated for the purposes of receiving such requests.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the commencement delivers on a Programme for Government commitment to facilitate and support the Inquiry.
“Those measures include the Memorandum of Understanding with the Inquiry which has been in operation for over 12 months and under which a large volume of documentary materials has been disclosed,” he said.