Ulster Unionist Party MLA Doug Beattie MC MLA has strongly criticised the Irish Government's response to the Omagh Bombing victims, labelling their actions a "failure".

His comments follow the recent agreement of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding co-operation with the ongoing Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

Mr Beattie recalled a unanimous motion passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly in March, which called on the Irish Government to conduct its own inquiry. The motion sought to investigate how the bomb was constructed, transported across the border from Ireland to Omagh, and detonated, and how the perpetrators were able to evade capture by returning across the border.

He stated that despite writing to the Irish Justice Minister to outline the Assembly's united view on the Irish Government's perceived shortcomings in addressing the legacy of the past, he has received no reply. Mr Beattie further condemned the recently agreed MoU as a "hallow" document that falls far short of meeting the Irish Government's responsibilities.

"It has nothing on witnesses, nothing allowing victims and their legal representatives to see unredacted material, and no legal duty to provide evidence," Mr Beattie asserted. "It's a staggering jumble of words and platitudes that centre around if, but or maybe." The UUP MLA also expressed his disappointment with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's welcoming of the MoU, suggesting that the UK government had once again allowed the Irish government to do the "bare minimum". 

"The likelihood is that we will never know if the bomb could have been prevented from crossing the border and reaching its murderous target as the Irish close shop and wash their hands of any responsibility," Mr Beattie concluded.

Sinn Féin MLA Nicola Brogan has echoed the calls for full transparency and disclosure for the families of the Omagh Bombing victims. Her comments came after the Irish government agreed to the aforementioned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning co-operation with the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

Ms Brogan, who represents West Tyrone, stated: "These grieving families have campaigned for justice for decades with dignity and determination. They deserve full transparency and disclosure about the killings of their loved ones. That is why it is important that all relevant material and documentation be made available to the Inquiry team in a timely manner."

Aligning with the families' wishes, Ms Brogan urged direct engagement: "As per the family’s request, representatives of the Irish government should meet the families as soon as possible to reassure them of their full co-operation with the Inquiry."

"It is vital that the Omagh families receive truth and justice for their loved ones," she concluded.