Carol Nolan: Justice Delayed - Omagh Inquiry Bill 2026
Carol Nolan welcomed the International Cooperation Omagh Bombing Inquiry Bill 2026 in the Dail, calling it a long-overdue step to secure oral evidence from state bodies and former officials before a High Court judge. She said the legislation arrives nearly 28 years after the August 1998 OMA bombing and urged ministers to implement it without further delay.
Carol Nolan described the bill as necessary but overdue. She criticised successive governments - Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens - for years of delay, broken promises and a lack of political urgency toward the Omagh families.
Nolan paid special tribute to Deputy Matty McGrath for his sustained support of the Omagh Victim Support Group since 2013. She recalled Mr McGrath's early efforts to press for a cross-border public inquiry and his work alongside grieving families seeking truth and justice.
The International Cooperation Omagh Bombing Inquiry Bill 2026 will allow Irish state bodies, serving and former members of An Garda Síochána and the defence forces, civil servants and former ministers to give oral evidence before a High Court judge to assist the Omagh Bombing Inquiry. Nolan stressed the practical legal implications and the need for prompt implementation.
While Nolan supported the passage of the bill, she urged the Minister to ensure it is executed without further foot-dragging. She framed the moment as a test of political will and a final chance to answer the long-standing demands of the Omagh families.
Long-overdue legislation
Carol Nolan described the bill as necessary but overdue. She criticised successive governments - Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens - for years of delay, broken promises and a lack of political urgency toward the Omagh families.
Tribute to campaigners
Nolan paid special tribute to Deputy Matty McGrath for his sustained support of the Omagh Victim Support Group since 2013. She recalled Mr McGrath's early efforts to press for a cross-border public inquiry and his work alongside grieving families seeking truth and justice.
What the bill does
The International Cooperation Omagh Bombing Inquiry Bill 2026 will allow Irish state bodies, serving and former members of An Garda Síochána and the defence forces, civil servants and former ministers to give oral evidence before a High Court judge to assist the Omagh Bombing Inquiry. Nolan stressed the practical legal implications and the need for prompt implementation.
Demand for immediate action
While Nolan supported the passage of the bill, she urged the Minister to ensure it is executed without further foot-dragging. She framed the moment as a test of political will and a final chance to answer the long-standing demands of the Omagh families.
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Transcript
That's Ciann Comhairle, I want to welcome the International Cooperation OMA Bombing Inquiry Bill 2026. This bill is certainly a long and overdue step that will allow Irish state bodies serving and former members of An Garda Síochánaann and the defence forces, civil servants and even former ministers to give oral evidence before a High Court judge to assist the OMA Bombing Inquiry. But I want to be clear, this legislation arrives almost 28 years after the horror of August 1998 when 29 people, including a woman who was nine months pregnant and her unborn twins, were murdered in OMA. For nearly three decades, successive governments of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens have failed those families with delay after delay, broken promises and a shocking lack of political urgency. Even after the UK inquiry was established in February 2024 and Ireland gave its commitment in July 2024, it has taken until 2026 to bring forward this bill. I want to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to my colleague and friend, Deputy Matty McGrath, who was very vocal on this very issue. And since 2013, Matty has stood shoulder to shoulder with the OMA families. He organised a delegation from the OMA Victim Support Group to brief members of the Oireachtas on 1 May 2013. And just days later, on 8 May, he stood in this house during leaders' questions and called directly on the Taoiseach for a cross-border public inquiry. He spoke of the courage of Michael Gallagher, who lost his 21-year-old son Aidan, and of all the families who have fought so bravely for truth and justice. Deputy McGrath has never wavered in that support, and today the House should acknowledge his work on behalf of the victims. Last Cairn Córdai, justice delayed is justice denied. The families of OMA have waited long enough. I support the passage of this bill, but I urge the Minister to ensure it is implemented without any further delays or foot dragging. Go raibh maith agat.