Latest news with #PaulGreaney
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Omagh bombing inquiry: Disclosure pace 'must increase'
The Omagh bombing inquiry has been told the speed of disclosure "must increase".Twenty-nine people, including a woman who was pregnant with twins, were murdered in the Real IRA attack on 15 August public inquiry was established to examine if the attack could have been prevented by UK Monday, barrister Paul Greaney, counsel to the inquiry, told Lord Turnbull the legal team had hoped that disclosure from relevant bodies would have been more advanced than it currently is. Mr Greaney said the "speed of disclosure to the inquiry by material providers must increase".He repeated calls for "state core participants" and all "material providers" to work at pace to fulfil the requirements of the inquiry. Many documents, he said, exist only in hard copy and may take some time to added that the inquiry would use its powers to ensure the fullest possible levels of Greaney said the inquiry expects openness and transparency from state core participants. Barrister for the Northern Ireland Secretary Fiona Fee told the inquiry "a significant volume of work" has been undertaken in relation to inquiry disclosure."There is a vast volume of material which must be collated, carefully reviewed and provided to the inquiry."This process is not simply a matter of gathering readily available paperwork, it's an immense logistical undertaking requiring meticulous attention to detail, thorough analysis and a strategic, organised approach." Some material cannot be publicly disclosed A number of organisations fall under the remit of the NI Secretary including the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), the Cabinet Office (CO) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).Ms Fee said there will be variations on what is disclosed across the Secretary of State grouping, adding that there will "inevitably" be material that cannot be disclosed in open but will be provided to the inquiry said there will only be a "very limited amount" that UKIC can say in Ms Fee said the intelligence sector was "engaging meaningfully" with the inquiry and undergoing "an extremely difficult disclosure" overall disclosure process and evidential picture is at "an early stage", she added. Inquiry continues on Tuesday On Monday, the inquiry is hearing from lawyers representing the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the secretary of state, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the head of the police at the time of the Omagh will also be read by lawyers representing families affected by the bombing. There will be a second day of statements on Tuesday. In February, the inquiry heard 14 days of powerful individual testimonies from relatives who lost loved ones in the also heard from emergency workers and people injured in the attack. What was the Omagh bomb? The bomb that devastated Omagh town centre in August 1998 was the biggest single atrocity in the history of the Troubles in Northern came less than three months after the people of Northern Ireland had voted yes to the Good Friday Agreement. Who carried out the Omagh bombing? Three days after the attack, the Real IRA released a statement claiming responsibility for the apologised to "civilian" victims and said its targets had been 27 years on, no-one has been convicted of carrying out the murders by a criminal 2009, a judge ruled that four men - Michael McKevitt, Liam Campbell, Colm Murphy and Seamus Daly were all liable for the Omagh four men were ordered to pay a total of £1.6m in damages to the relatives, but appeals against the ruling delayed the compensation process.A fifth man, Seamus McKenna, was acquitted in the civil action and later died in a roofing accident in 2013.
The Independent
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Omagh inquiry told pace of disclosure ‘must increase'
The speed of disclosure to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry 'must increase', counsel to the proceedings has said. The Omagh Bombing Inquiry, chaired by Lord Turnbull, is hearing opening statements from core participants including representatives of bereaved families, victims, the PSNI, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Real IRA bomb in the Co Tyrone town in August 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman who was pregnant with twins, in the worst single atrocity in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The public inquiry was set up by the previous government to examine whether the explosion could have been prevented by the UK authorities. The opening statement section of the inquiry will take place over Monday and Tuesday. Earlier this year the inquiry heard personal statements from those affected by the massacre. Prior to the opening statements on Monday, Paul Greaney KC, counsel to the inquiry, told Lord Turnbull that the legal team had hoped that disclosure from relevant bodies would have been more advanced than it currently is. He further argued that there would be value in having at least one hearing to discuss progress of disclosure in September or October. 'The understandable consequence of the level of disclosure to core participants is that the opening statements of the bereaved families and survivors cannot be as detailed or evidence focused as they would have wished,' he said. Noting that the next stage of the inquiry will commence in March, he said: 'That gap of nine months between Chapter Two and Chapter Three is unfortunate, in our view.' He added: 'The simple fact is that the speed of disclosure to the inquiry by material providers must increase, and that is why we repeat the need for the state core participants and indeed all material providers to work at pace to fulfil the requirements of the inquiry and to ensure that the necessary resources, both human and financial, are dedicated to that work.' Mr Greaney noted that many documents exist only in hard copy and – even when held digitally – may take time to review and be disclosed. He offered three further general observations on proceedings. Mr Greaney stressed that the inquiry was not constrained by any other previous proceeding, investigation or review in its eventual findings. That comment came in advance of the written submission on behalf of Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn which contained a reference to the judicial review which led to the formation of the inquiry. At that time, a judge accepted that four of 10 grounds under consideration gave rise to a plausible argument that the bombing was preventable. Addressing concerns raised by survivors and victims that relevant documentation will be declared 'missing', Mr Greaney said any such claim 'will be subject to the most intense scrutiny by the inquiry', including demands around information on the search efforts and expectations of material being recovered. He added that the inquiry would use its powers to ensure the fullest possible levels of disclosure. On the subject of candour, Mr Greaney said the inquiry expects openness and transparency from state core participants He said state core participants have not made any such concessions in their written opening statements and reminded them that they would be subject to scrutiny. Fiona Fee KC, for the Northern Ireland Secretary, told the inquiry that 'a significant volume of work' has been undertaken in relation to inquiry disclosure. 'To explain the scope of the efforts, it's crucial to understand the extent of the materials involved,' she said. 'There is a vast volume of material which must be collated, carefully reviewed and provided to the inquiry. 'This process is not simply a matter of gathering readily available paperwork, it's an immense logistical undertaking requiring meticulous attention to detail, thorough analysis and a strategic, organised approach.' Ms Fee said the Northern Ireland Secretary had offered sincere condolences to all those who had suffered as a result of the 'horrific terrorist atrocity' at Omagh. A number of organisations fall under the remit of the NI Secretary as a core participant, including the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), the Cabinet Office (CO) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Ms Fee said the scale of the work involved in seeking information on the 31 historic incidents identified by the inquiry is 'extraordinary'. She noted that there will be variations on what is disclosed across the Secretary of State grouping, adding that there will 'inevitably' be material that cannot be disclosed in open but will still be provided to the inquiry chairman. In particular, she said there will only be a 'very limited amount' that UKIC can say in open. However, Ms Fee said the intelligence sector was 'engaging meaningfully' with the inquiry and undergoing 'an extremely difficult disclosure' exercise. She added that the Secretary of State grouping is not in a position to make an assessment on whether any concession is appropriate as the overall disclosure process and evidential picture is at 'an early stage'. 'The available information would result in an incomplete picture, and the risk of error is significant,' she said.
Irish Examiner
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Omagh inquiry told pace of disclosure ‘must increase'
The speed of disclosure to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry 'must increase', counsel to the proceedings has said. The Omagh Bombing Inquiry, chaired by Andrew Turnbull, is hearing opening statements from core participants including representatives of bereaved families, victims, the PSNI, and the secretary of state for Northern Ireland. The Real IRA bomb in the County Tyrone town in August 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman who was pregnant with twins, in the worst single atrocity in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The public inquiry was set up by the previous government to examine whether the explosion could have been prevented by the British authorities. The opening statement section of the inquiry will take place over Monday and Tuesday. Earlier this year the inquiry heard personal statements from those affected by the massacre. Prior to the opening statements on Monday, Paul Greaney KC, counsel to the inquiry, told Mr Turnbull that the legal team had hoped that disclosure from relevant bodies would have been more advanced than it currently is. The public inquiry was set up by the previous government to examine whether the explosion could have been prevented by the British authorities. Here, Paul Greaney arrives at court. He further argued that there would be value in having at least one hearing to discuss progress of disclosure in September or October. 'The understandable consequence of the level of disclosure to core participants is that the opening statements of the bereaved families and survivors cannot be as detailed or evidence focused as they would have wished,' he said. Noting that the next stage of the inquiry will commence in March, he said: 'That gap of nine months between Chapter Two and Chapter Three is unfortunate, in our view.' He added: 'The simple fact is that the speed of disclosure to the inquiry by material providers must increase, and that is why we repeat the need for the state core participants and indeed all material providers to work at pace to fulfil the requirements of the inquiry and to ensure that the necessary resources, both human and financial, are dedicated to that work.' Mr Greaney noted that many documents exist only in hard copy and – even when held digitally – may take time to review and be disclosed. He offered three further general observations on proceedings. Mr Greaney stressed that the inquiry was not constrained by any other previous proceeding, investigation or review in its eventual findings. That comment came in advance of the written submission on behalf of Northern Ireland secretary Hilary Benn which contained a reference to the judicial review which led to the formation of the inquiry. 'Preventable' At that time, a judge accepted that four of 10 grounds under consideration gave rise to a plausible argument that the bombing was preventable. Addressing concerns raised by survivors and victims that relevant documentation will be declared 'missing', Mr Greaney said any such claim 'will be subject to the most intense scrutiny by the inquiry', including demands around information on the search efforts and expectations of material being recovered. He added that the inquiry would use its powers to ensure the fullest possible levels of disclosure. On the subject of candour, Mr Greaney said the inquiry expects openness and transparency from state core participants He said state core participants have not made any such concessions in their written opening statements and reminded them that they would be subject to scrutiny. Fiona Fee KC, for the Northern Ireland secretary, told the inquiry that 'a significant volume of work' has been undertaken in relation to inquiry disclosure. 'To explain the scope of the efforts, it's crucial to understand the extent of the materials involved,' she said. 'There is a vast volume of material which must be collated, carefully reviewed and provided to the inquiry. This process is not simply a matter of gathering readily available paperwork, it's an immense logistical undertaking requiring meticulous attention to detail, thorough analysis and a strategic, organised approach. Ms Fee said the Northern Ireland Secretary had offered sincere condolences to all those who had suffered as a result of the 'horrific terrorist atrocity' at Omagh. A number of organisations fall under the remit of the NI secretary as a core participant, including the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), the Cabinet Office (CO) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Ms Fee said the scale of the work involved in seeking information on the 31 historic incidents identified by the inquiry is 'extraordinary'. She noted that there will be variations on what is disclosed across the Secretary of State grouping, adding that there will 'inevitably' be material that cannot be disclosed in open but will still be provided to the inquiry chairman. In particular, she said there will only be a 'very limited amount' that UKIC can say in open. However, Ms Fee said the intelligence sector was 'engaging meaningfully' with the inquiry and undergoing 'an extremely difficult disclosure' exercise. She added that the Secretary of State grouping is not in a position to make an assessment on whether any concession is appropriate as the overall disclosure process and evidential picture is at 'an early stage'. 'The available information would result in an incomplete picture, and the risk of error is significant,' she said.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Omagh inquiry told pace of disclosure ‘must increase'
The speed of disclosure to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry 'must increase', counsel to the proceedings has said. The Omagh Bombing Inquiry, chaired by Lord Turnbull, is hearing opening statements from core participants including representatives of bereaved families, victims, the PSNI, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Real IRA bomb in the Co Tyrone town in August 1998 killed 29 people, including a woman who was pregnant with twins, in the worst single atrocity in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The public inquiry was set up by the previous government to examine whether the explosion could have been prevented by the UK authorities. The opening statement section of the inquiry will take place over Monday and Tuesday. Earlier this year the inquiry heard personal statements from those affected by the massacre. Prior to the opening statements on Monday, Paul Greaney KC, counsel to the inquiry, told Lord Turnbull that the legal team had hoped that disclosure from relevant bodies would have been more advanced than it currently is. He further argued that there would be value in having at least one hearing to discuss progress of disclosure in September or October. 'The understandable consequence of the level of disclosure to core participants is that the opening statements of the bereaved families and survivors cannot be as detailed or evidence focused as they would have wished,' he said. Noting that the next stage of the inquiry will commence in March, he said: 'That gap of nine months between Chapter Two and Chapter Three is unfortunate, in our view.' He added: 'The simple fact is that the speed of disclosure to the inquiry by material providers must increase, and that is why we repeat the need for the state core participants and indeed all material providers to work at pace to fulfil the requirements of the inquiry and to ensure that the necessary resources, both human and financial, are dedicated to that work.' Mr Greaney noted that many documents exist only in hard copy and – even when held digitally – may take time to review and be disclosed. He offered three further general observations on proceedings. Mr Greaney stressed that the inquiry was not constrained by any other previous proceeding, investigation or review in its eventual findings. That comment came in advance of the written submission on behalf of Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn which contained a reference to the judicial review which led to the formation of the inquiry. At that time, a judge accepted that four of 10 grounds under consideration gave rise to a plausible argument that the bombing was preventable. Addressing concerns raised by survivors and victims that relevant documentation will be declared 'missing', Mr Greaney said any such claim 'will be subject to the most intense scrutiny by the inquiry', including demands around information on the search efforts and expectations of material being recovered. He added that the inquiry would use its powers to ensure the fullest possible levels of disclosure. On the subject of candour, Mr Greaney said the inquiry expects openness and transparency from state core participants He said state core participants have not made any such concessions in their written opening statements and reminded them that they would be subject to scrutiny. Fiona Fee KC, for the Northern Ireland Secretary, told the inquiry that 'a significant volume of work' has been undertaken in relation to inquiry disclosure. 'To explain the scope of the efforts, it's crucial to understand the extent of the materials involved,' she said. 'There is a vast volume of material which must be collated, carefully reviewed and provided to the inquiry. 'This process is not simply a matter of gathering readily available paperwork, it's an immense logistical undertaking requiring meticulous attention to detail, thorough analysis and a strategic, organised approach.' Ms Fee said the Northern Ireland Secretary had offered sincere condolences to all those who had suffered as a result of the 'horrific terrorist atrocity' at Omagh. A number of organisations fall under the remit of the NI Secretary as a core participant, including the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Northern Ireland Office (NIO), the Cabinet Office (CO) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Ms Fee said the scale of the work involved in seeking information on the 31 historic incidents identified by the inquiry is 'extraordinary'. She noted that there will be variations on what is disclosed across the Secretary of State grouping, adding that there will 'inevitably' be material that cannot be disclosed in open but will still be provided to the inquiry chairman. In particular, she said there will only be a 'very limited amount' that UKIC can say in open. However, Ms Fee said the intelligence sector was 'engaging meaningfully' with the inquiry and undergoing 'an extremely difficult disclosure' exercise. She added that the Secretary of State grouping is not in a position to make an assessment on whether any concession is appropriate as the overall disclosure process and evidential picture is at 'an early stage'. 'The available information would result in an incomplete picture, and the risk of error is significant,' she said.
Irish Times
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Slow ‘pace of disclosure' leads to Omagh bombing inquiry delay
The public inquiry into the 1998 Omagh bombing will not begin examining the atrocity itself until next year due to the 'pace of disclosure', a senior lawyer has said. In opening remarks on Monday, Paul Greaney KC, senior counsel to the inquiry, said he had 'hoped and expected to be further advanced than we are'. He said chapter three of the inquiry, which 'will consider the bombing itself', would commence in March of next year. 'That gap of nine months between Chapter Two and Chapter Three is unfortunate, in our view, and is a further consequence of the pace of disclosure to the inquiry,' Mr Greaney said. READ MORE 'The speed of disclosure to the inquiry by material providers must increase, and that is why we repeat the need for the state core participants and indeed all material providers to work at pace to fulfil the requirements of the inquiry and to ensure that the necessary resources, both human and financial, are dedicated to that work.' A total of 31 people, including unborn twins, died and hundreds were injured when a car bomb planted by the dissident republican group the Real IRA exploded in the centre of Omagh on August 15th, 1998. The inquiry, which opened last year, was ordered by the UK government to examine whether the atrocity could reasonably have been prevented by British state authorities. During a four-week sitting in the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh earlier this year, the inquiry heard emotional testimony from bereaved relatives who delivered pen portraits of their loved ones, as well as from the injured and first responders. It resumed on Monday for two days to hear opening statements from core participants to the inquiry. The core participants include the bereaved and injured and state authorities including the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Secretary. Mr Greaney said he was 'grateful' for the efforts of the PSNI to allocate resources to the inquiry, and he was 'not today advancing criticisms of any material' but was 'simply setting out our expectations as the inquiry moves forward'.
