Omagh bomb: Ireland agrees co-operation deal with inquiry
29 people including a woman expecting twins died in the Omagh bomb
The Omagh Bombing Inquiry has reached agreement with the Irish Government over co-operation.
The Memorandum of Understanding is to allow the inquiry chairman and members of his team access to material held by the Irish administration.
It also outlines the process of disclosure of Irish State materials to the inquiry's Core Participants.
In a statement the inquiry said it will "continue to discuss further co-operation with the Government of Ireland, such as taking evidence from witnesses from the Republic of Ireland".
Secretary to the Inquiry Sam Hartley described it as a "significant step".
"This formal agreement between the inquiry and the Government of Ireland marks a significant step forward in allowing the inquiry access to material, information and assistance from the Government and agencies in Ireland," he said.
"Agreements of this nature are not commonplace in inquiries. On behalf of the inquiry, I express my gratitude to the Government of Ireland for its repeated commitment to assist the inquiry."