AHERN MAY RELEASE OMAGH PAPERS
Ahern may release Omagh papers
THE Irish Government may consider releasing secret state papers for a multi-million pounds civil action being pursued by families of the Omagh bomb victims, it emerged today.
The families lost a Special Criminal Court bid on Monday for access to trial transcripts in relation to the 1998 atrocity, which killed 29 people, because judges ruled they did not have jurisdiction to hear the application.
But Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern told the Dail today he would seek legal advice on transferring such documents to the National Archives before the traditional 30-year period.
He said: "I appreciate the importance of the papers (but) I'm not aware of what the legal complexities are."
Mr Ahern said in a response to a question from Labour party leader Pat Rabbitte that he would consult the Attorney General and the justice minister.
The Omagh families are seeking aggravated damages and individual claims from five men suspected of carrying out the bombing, the single largest atrocity of the Troubles.
The �14million civil action is expected to be heard at the High Court in Belfast later this year.
At present the action has reached the discovery stage and numerous applications are before the Dublin and Belfast courts.
THE Irish Government may consider releasing secret state papers for a multi-million pounds civil action being pursued by families of the Omagh bomb victims, it emerged today.
The families lost a Special Criminal Court bid on Monday for access to trial transcripts in relation to the 1998 atrocity, which killed 29 people, because judges ruled they did not have jurisdiction to hear the application.
But Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern told the Dail today he would seek legal advice on transferring such documents to the National Archives before the traditional 30-year period.
He said: "I appreciate the importance of the papers (but) I'm not aware of what the legal complexities are."
Mr Ahern said in a response to a question from Labour party leader Pat Rabbitte that he would consult the Attorney General and the justice minister.
The Omagh families are seeking aggravated damages and individual claims from five men suspected of carrying out the bombing, the single largest atrocity of the Troubles.
The �14million civil action is expected to be heard at the High Court in Belfast later this year.
At present the action has reached the discovery stage and numerous applications are before the Dublin and Belfast courts.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/1060
Published Date: 09-Feb-05
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