Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions if any they had with the government of Ireland about the Omagh Bombing Inquiry at the British–Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 24 April.

The Government has the deepest sympathy for all of those affected by the Omagh bomb in August 1998. It was a terrible atrocity committed by the Real IRA at a time when the people of Northern Ireland were looking to a future without violence, and it caused immeasurable suffering to the families who lost loved ones and to those who were injured.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has welcomed the Irish Government's public commitment to cooperate with the Omagh Bombing Inquiry, as outlined in the memorandum of understanding signed directly between the Inquiry and the Irish Government.

At the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 24 April, the Government and the Government of Ireland discussed Legacy issues, including the Omagh Inquiry, and the need for clear reciprocal commitments by the UK Government and the Government of Ireland. Ultimately, securing the confidence of victims, survivors, and families will remain at the heart of the work of both Governments.