International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026: Committee Stage
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-19
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Conor Murphy (SF), Industrial and Commercial Panel

I move amendment No. 19:
In page 8, between lines 9 and 10, to insert the following:
“Written statements from office holders and former office holders
6. (1) This section applies where a relevant head has, under section 5 , acceded in whole or in part to a request for assistance for the taking of evidence from an office holder or former office holder of a designated State body.
(2) Before any oral evidence is taken in accordance with sections 9 , 10 and 11 , the relevant head shall ensure that the office holder or former office holder concerned provides to the designated persons a written statement addressing—
(a) the topics, areas of inquiry or matters specified in the request for assistance,
(b) any documents, records or categories of documents identified as relevant under section 5(2)(b) , and
(c) any additional matters on which the designated persons consider that a written account is reasonably required for the purposes of the Inquiry.
(3) A written statement provided under subsection (2) shall—
(a) be signed by the office holder or former office holder,
(b) contain a declaration that it is true to the best of his or her knowledge and belief,
and
(c) be furnished within such period as the relevant head may specify, having regard to the efficient conduct of the Inquiry.
(4) Upon receipt of a written statement under this section, the designated persons shall provide it to the Chairman as soon as practicable, subject to the condition referred to in section 11(8) .
(5) Where the Chairman, having considered a written statement provided under this section, is satisfied that the statement adequately addresses the matters for which evidence was sought, the Chairman may notify the relevant head in writing that oral evidence from the office holder or former office holder is not required.
(6) Where the Chairman determines that oral evidence remains necessary, the written statement shall form the baseline account for the purposes of any subsequent examination, and the oral evidence shall be confined, insofar as is practicable, to—
(a) clarification of matters contained in the written statement,
(b) examination of inconsistencies or omissions, and
(c) any further matters reasonably arising from the written statement or relevant documents.
(7) Nothing in this section shall prejudice the power of the Chairman to request further written information or clarification from an office holder or former office holder where necessary for the purposes of the Inquiry.”.
I will say a few words to amendment No. 19. This amendment introduces a requirement for witnesses to provide a signed and truthful written statement before giving any oral evidence. It establishes a clear baseline account and ensures that key issues and documents are addressed in advance. It allows the chair to dispense with oral testimony where written material is sufficient. Where oral evidence is still needed, questioning can focus on clarifying gaps, inconsistences or outstanding matters. The inquiry and the draft memorandum of understanding both support this approach, which strengthens the clarity and overall effectiveness of the co-operation process.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-19/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:57+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-19