THE LAW ALLOWING gardaí to give sworn testimonies to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry has come into effect, the justice minister has said.
The “bespoke” law allows for sworn testimony to be given by current or former members of the gardaí and the Irish army, as well as departmental officials or ministers, to the inquiry examining the 1998 atrocity in the Co Tyrone town.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan signed the commencement order for the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Act 2026 on 12 June.
It means that from Monday, the inquiry chairman can 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.
O’Callaghan has said previously that the request can be made to the Garda Commissioner or to the heads of state bodies, including secretaries general, and each request would be considered individually.
Requests can be refused to prevent prejudice to the sovereignty and security of the State, to meet obligations to investigate crime, and to protect life.
He said when a sworn testimony is given, a High Court judge will certify the transcript and provide it to the inquiry chairman, who will decide whether the transcript can be published or disseminated.
O’Callaghan said: “I am pleased to have commenced the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Act 2026 with effect from 15 June 2026 in advance of the start of the Inquiry’s evidential hearings in September.
“The commencement of the legislation is another major step in delivering on the programme for government commitment to facilitate and support the inquiry and adds to the suite of measures already implemented.
“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.
“That work continues at pace. The measures also include initiatives to support the disclosure of personal data to the inquiry including the data protection regulations that I signed last November.”
He added: “The commencement of the act, in conjunction with the publication of my legislative proposals to address the legacy of the Troubles last week, demonstrates that the Government will not be found wanting in relation to addressing the legacy of the past.
“Our commitment, alongside that of the UK Government, 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.”
The Real IRA bomb killed 29 people, including the mother of unborn twins.
The inquiry, chaired by Lord Turnbull, was set up after a number of legal challenges brought by campaigners, to examine whether the explosion could have been prevented by UK authorities.
The next stage of the hearing, which will begin on 21 September, will explore what can be established based on information including construction of the bomb, warning calls, claims of responsibility, arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
O’Callaghan has said previously that about 20,000 pages of material have been provided by the Irish state to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry through the Memorandum of Understanding.