International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026

Public bill · Government · Presented

Permits evidence to be taken in Ireland for the Omagh Bombing Inquiry in the UK from current and former Garda members, Defence Forces members, certain civil servants, and former ministers, where they have relevant information and agree to take part if required. It sets up a process where a High Court judge hears the evidence, with the Inquiry able to ask follow-up questions, while protecting witnesses and allowing refusals where security, investigations, or official functions would be affected. It matters because it gives the Irish State a clearer legal way to help the inquiry investigate whether the 1998 Omagh bombing could have been prevented.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide for the taking of evidence in the State from a member or former member of An Garda Síochána, a member or former member of the Defence Forces, an office holder or former office holder of certain Departments of State or a former holder of ministerial office for the purposes of assisting the Omagh Bombing Inquiry established in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; to amend the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 2019; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 12 June 2026