UH/1434

Inquests costing £1.5 million
By JOHN McCUSKER

THE financial cost of administering the inquests into the victims of the Omagh bombing of two years ago has been fixed at £1.5 million.
That sum includes £250,000 for refurbishment work on the Minor Hall at Omagh Leisure Centre, together with a similar figure to cover the salaries of those involved in the Coroner's Court hearing which is expected to last just under four weeks.
The parameters of the inquest dictate that its findings do not express "any opinion on questions of criminal or civil liability."
And this week, Coroner John Leckey pointed out that its function was neither that of a criminal trial nor a civil action, but rather a procedure to establish who the deceased was, and how, when and where they met their death.
Extensive refurbishment work has been carried out at Omagh Leisure Complex in order to accommodate the enquiry.
Technology similar to that used in the Saville Inquiry, currently underway in the Guildhall in Derry, has been introduced in order to keep legal teams, relatives and members of the press informed of events as they unfold.
Those giving evidence before the hearing will be shown on an overhead screen, while a second screen will be used to show pictures and images relating to the incident.
However, harrowing photographic evidence which may be disturbing for relatives, will be shown only to legal teams representing the bereaved.
Special arrangements have been put in place in order to facilitate the families of those who died.
If they wish, relatives can access the Leisure Centre through an alternative entrance, away from the glare of cameras and members of the public.
And up to 60 counsellors from various caring agencies will be on hand throughout the four week term to offer help and support to those in need.
Two rooms have been specially prepared for families who find it difficult to hear the evidence in public. These rooms have been tastefully furnished with soft seating and screens on which they can view proceedings in the main hall.
Seating has been allocated towards the front of the hall for over 70 relatives and families of those who died. A further 130 seats have been set aside for members of the public, while 80 members of the media will also be afforded access to the proceedings.
A specially constructed annex built towards the rear of the Leisure Centre has been specially adapted to accommodate other members of the press.
Police officers involved in clearing the town centre on 15th August 1998 will be among those first called to give evidence.
From today until next Wednesday, officers will testify on the police response to the warnings and the actions which followed the explosion in Market Street that afternoon.
From Thursday next, the inquest will hear details of how each of the 29 men, women and children met their deaths from RUC officers, medical experts and eyewitnesses who were present at the scene. Pathology reports relating to each of the victims will also be submitted.
Details surround the deaths of three victims will be heard daily. And on the final two days of the inquest hearing, the court will listen to forensic reports and details of the police investigation from the men leading the enquiry, Detective Chief Superintendents Eric Anderson and Hamilton Houston.
A total of 154 witnesses are scheduled to give evidence. But as the inquiry proceeds, other witnesses, not already named in court proceedings, can be called to testify. However, this will only occur at the discretion of the Coroner.