International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026: Second Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-13
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Garret Kelleher (FG), Industrial and Commercial Panel

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire as ucht na hoibre ar fad atá déanta aige agus ag an Roinn Dlí agus Cirt, Gnóthaí Baile agus Imirce chun an Bille a thógáil ar aghaidh. Is tábhachtach an rud é dul chun cinn leanúnach a dhéanamh ó thaobh saincheisteanna oidhreachta a bhaineann leis an Tuaisceart. Ní mór dúinn ár ndícheall a dhéanamh le hathmhuintearas a chur chun cinn i gcónaí agus todhchaí dearfach, cóir agus cothrom a chruthú do mhuintir an Tuaiscirt agus na glúnta atá le teacht.
The Omagh bomb, as the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, correctly said, was the single worst atrocity of the Troubles. It occurred, as noted by Senator Gallagher, slightly over four months after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. It had the intention of extinguishing the hope that had been built up by the progressive efforts of those who sought to bring the conflict to an end and establish a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
I welcome the Bill. It is very important for legacy and in promoting reconciliation. It honours the commitment in that regard made by the Government in the programme for Government. As has been outlined by the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, the Bill facilitates participation by survivors and family members of victims and enables them to be present for the taking of evidence and to hear at first hand the evidence that is given before a High Court judge. This is a very positive step forward.
The importance of our ongoing co-operation with the UK Government and its authorities, in particular with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, is crucial. It is very important that all of our efforts in the area of legacy and promoting reconciliation continue to be done in a non-partisan way. The Bill is a very important step in the ongoing journey towards resolving legacy issues from the conflict in the North, in supporting survivors and family members of victims, and promoting reconciliation and helping to build a brighter, fairer and better future for all who call this island home. On behalf the Fine Gael group, I welcome the Bill and the debate that has taken place in the Chamber thus far.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-13/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:56+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-13