Irish Government Passes Bill to Enable Court Testimony for UK Omagh Bombing Inquiry (thejournal.ie)

• Bill creates mechanism for oral testimony from Irish state bodies and former ministers in UK's Omagh bombing inquiry.
• Legislation modeled on 2019 Act used for Troubles inquests, with new features to maximize evidence.
• Next phase of hearings delayed to September 2026, six months later than planned.
• Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan calls bill a 'pivotal step' for truth and accountability.

"The Irish government has passed the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026, allowing sworn oral testimony from state bodies and former ministers before a High Court judge to be used in the UK's independent public inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing. The bill creates a bespoke legal mechanism to facilitate cooperation. The next phase of hearings is expected in September 2026, six months later than originally scheduled. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan described the bill as a pivotal step."