The State will fully cooperate with a UK inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said.
He was speaking to mark the 25th anniversary of the bombing, in which 29 people were killed.
On August 15th 1998, just a few weeks after the Good Friday Agreement, a Real IRA bomb went off in the Co Tyrone town.
It killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured 220 others.
UK Ministry of Defence handout file photo showing the devastation caused in Omagh, Co Tyrone when a bomb was detonated at the junction of Market Street and Dublin Road in the town. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock PhotoMr Martin said the attack was carried out with disregard for people and democracy.
"We will never forget the 29 people who lost their lives, those who were injured, and the families whose suffering continues today," he said.
"My thoughts are first and foremost with all those impacted by this attack, carried out with disregard for democracy, and for people.
“I have been honoured to meet with, and listen to, the families of the Omagh Bomb victims over many years, most recently in June.
"Their search for the full truth of what happened has not been an easy or swift process".
'Further clarity' on UK inquiry
Earlier this year, the UK announced its intention to establish an inquiry into the preventability of the Omagh bombing.
Draft terms of reference have been shared with the Irish Government, and it is understood the chair of the inquiry intends to seek the views of those most affected before the final version is published.
"Officials stand ready to engage with members of the UK's inquiry team as soon as they are appointed," Mr Martin said.
"When we have further clarity on the nature of the UK inquiry, I will then consider, along with the Minister for Justice and my Cabinet colleagues, the next steps in this jurisdiction.
"As has been done in relation to a number of historical inquiries, this State will cooperate fully.
"Justice for the victims and the families impacted by this atrocity will be at the heart of any action that the Government takes."
Mr Martin said violence in Northern Ireland was never justified.
"The Omagh bomb atrocity showed the appalling impact of violence on communities," he said.
"The campaign of violence in Northern Ireland was never justified.
"We must keep working relentlessly on peace, dialogue and rebuilding trust," he added.
On Sunday, a memorial service for those who died was held in Omagh.
