A new Irish law allowing sworn testimony in the Omagh bombing inquiry comes into effect. The legislation permits individuals to give sworn evidence, rather than only relying on other forms of testimony, in the inquiry process. Sources state the law is designed as a “bespoke” measure for the Omagh bombing inquiry.
Under the provisions described, current or former members of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Army may provide sworn testimony. In addition, departmental officials and ministers are also included among those able to give sworn evidence. The change applies specifically to testimony within the inquiry, indicating that relevant witnesses connected to policing, the military, and government departments can be heard under the sworn framework established by the law.
Overall, the reporting agrees that the legislation is now active and that it expands the range of people who can give sworn testimony in the Omagh inquiry to include members of the Garda and Army, as well as officials and ministers. The sources do not provide further details on the inquiry’s broader procedures beyond the scope of who may swear to give evidence.
