Statement by Bertie Ahern, then Taioseach, on the Police Ombudsman's Report on the Omagh Bombing, 12 December 2001

Statement by Bertie Ahern, then Taioseach, on the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's Report on the Omagh Bombing, 12 December 2001

Department of the Taoiseach, 12-12-2001, Statement by the Taoiseach on the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's Report on Omagh Bombing

The Ombudsmans Report on the Omagh bombing, which was released today, raises many questions and makes a number of recommendations. It is important that these should be addressed in a manner which ensures that the people of Northern Ireland, and particularly those most immediately affected by the bombing, can be satisfied that there is the fullest possible clarity and accounting for what happened in the lead-up to the bombing and in the investigation which followed.

At the same time, nothing should distract from ensuring that those responsible for carrying out this dreadful atrocity remain condemned for their action and are brought to justice. The bombing was a terrible attack on the people and the town of Omagh. I know that the Police Ombudsman has met today with the families of the victims to discuss her report into the bombing.

At this difficult time, we once again deeply sympathise with their enormous loss and pain.