The legislation provides a bespoke legal mechanism to facilitate the taking of sworn testimony from State bodies and former ministerial office holders before a judge of the High Court for the purposes of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry. The mechanism will be available to the Chairman of the Inquiry over its lifetime and will allow for assistance to be sought as matters arise in the course of his work.

Making the announcement Mr O’Callaghan said: “The passage of this legislation is another pivotal step in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to facilitate the inquiry.

“I thank members for supporting its expeditious passage through the Houses since its publication in March. This will ensure that it is in place for the start of the inquiry’s evidential hearings in September.

“This legislation relating to oral testimony will add to the suite of measures already implemented. This includes the Memorandum of Understanding which I signed with the chairman of the inquiry last year relating to the disclosure of Irish State materials, and the Data Protection Regulations that I signed in November to enable the disclosure of sensitive personal data to the inquiry.

“Our commitment, alongside that of the UK Government, is essential to addressing the enormous impact of Troubles-related violence and the legitimate needs and expectations of victims’ families and survivors who have long searched for truth and accountability.

“Assisting an inquiry established under the law of another sovereign state is legally complex and requires innovative solutions. The legislation provides a robust statutory framework that seeks to maximise the assistance to be provided to the inquiry to fulfil its terms of reference while also safeguarding, insofar as that is necessary, the essential interests of the State and the rights of witnesses involved.

“The need for any further action to be taken by the Government in the course of, or following the conclusion of the inquiry, will be kept under review.”

Mr O’Callaghan also noted that he intends to bring proposals to address wider legacy issues to Government in the coming weeks aimed at implementing the commitments under the Joint Framework on the Troubles agreed with the UK government last September.