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reviewed at ministerial level, that a facilitator has been permitted to have sight of them and yet the very families affected and their legal counsel do not have access. We are being asked to sign up to an inquiry process without full transparency. How can any counsel meaningfully

sending two teams out with different rule books and different access to information. If the Minister's counsel is entitled to see the full material shaping the inquiry, the legal representatives of those affected should be given the same right. There has to be an equal process. That

related inquests outside of the State. Family members and survivors and their legal representatives will be allowed to attend as regards the evidence given before a High Court judge, and the Bill will allow for counsel to the inquiry to ask questions to clarify evidence given

Forces and departmental officials; by allowing family members, survivors and their legal representatives to be present during evidence taken before the High Court judge; and by allowing the chairperson of the Omagh bombing inquiry or their counsel to ask clarifying questions directly, thereby maximising the evidential value … extra powers of compulsion and who wanted a parallel inquiry here. I understand where those perspectives come from. This Bill does what is legally possible under our Constitution while still ensuring that substantial assistance - real, meaningful assistance - can be provided to the inquiry as it unfolds. The Government

Omagh inquiry". Delivering on our commitment to assist an inquiry established by another sovereign state is not without its challenges. There are legal complexities that must be navigated to ensure constituency with the laws of Ireland and the Government's duty to safeguard the essential interests … approximately 20,000 pages of material have been provided by the Irish State to the Omagh bombing inquiry. I welcome the acknowledgement by counsel to the inquiry at its hearing last Thursday of the "considerable efforts that have been made" by Irish authorities and the "effective progress" that

agreed that a public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services should be established. Mr. Farrell, who is a highly respected senior counsel with extensive experience in sensitive and complex matters, will now lead a structured programme of engagement designed to ensure the voices of families, patients … advocacy groups with enormous experience of these issues are central to the process. While Mr. Farrell is known for his expertise in complex legal matters, what is most needed here is his proven ability to approach sensitive issues with great humanity and great respect. I hope everybody will

grieve; he fought. For 25 years, he fought through the courts, against institutions and against every obstacle placed in front of him. His legal challenge produced the 2021 High Court ruling that found there was a plausible case that the bombing could have been prevented and that directed … were due to begin. Part of the reason for the delay is the sheer volume of state material still being processed. The lead counsel to the inquiry has confirmed the full Irish disclosure will not be complete until June. I want to be fair here. The inquiry

time with their daughter in the hospital. As if all of this was not hard enough, they then had to think about the legality of getting home. A consultant in Liverpool warned them to put Éadha's body in the boot of their car and smuggle her back … there was zero follow-up care for her in Ireland. Even when she presented to a bereavement midwife to get counselling, she was told it was not available. Denise and her family were on their own. Every year, 240 women have to travel to the UK to access

very much welcome this Bill, which is highly necessary. It provides a legal mechanism for testimony before a High Court judge with regard to the inquiry. At the initiation of the inquiry, the families were given time to speak about what happened and the aftermath in relation … very welcome. That the inquiry will be able to ask questions to clarify evidence is also welcome. I have some concerns. The lead counsel said on 19 March 2026 that the new phase of hearings will take place six months later than scheduled. That is a concern. Chapter

present in the High Court to hear any evidence at first hand. The Government is satisfied that this bespoke approach is legally robust and will maximise the evidential opportunities available to the inquiry. The Bill is focused on the terrible atrocity that was the Omagh bombing but there … Ireland and our authorities. I refer Deputy Kelly to the published transcript of the inquiry's hearing of last Thursday, 19 March, where counsel to the inquiry felt the need to correct inaccurate media reporting on this matter. He said: can we be clear, anyone who has based