Ahern meets families of Omagh victims
Monday, 24 October 2005 17:13The Government has ruled out a cross-border inquiry into the Omagh bombing until criminal proceedings have been completed.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Demot Ahern, met relatives of the victims in Dundalk today. The relatives have called for an investigation by the British and Irish governments into the police handling of the bombing.
But Mr Ahern said that a criminal investigation must conclude before any public inquiries can be considered.
'The minister fully recognised the concerns of the families but he has consulted the Irish Justice Department on the issue and its advice was that any inquiry is inappropriate while criminal proceedings are pending,' said a spokesman for Mr Ahern.
However, the minister has offered financial assistance from his department to assist the Omagh families in running its victims' group. He also paid tribute to their seven-year campaign for justice.
Earlier this year, electrician Sean Hoey was charged in connection with the murder of the 29 people who died in the bomb attack in August 1998.
