Martin Bridger appeared before the Omagh Bombing Inquiry as a witness with direct experience of oversight within Northern Ireland's security framework.

During his testimony, Bridger described an incident in 2001 involving the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, John Reid.

He stated that Mr Reid sought to prevent the release of a report produced by the Police Ombudsman Northern Ireland concerning police conduct during the investigation into the bombing.

Bridger noted he reported these efforts to stop publication to a senior officer within the Garda Síochána.

The inquiry also heard from Detective Chief Inspector Pete Billingsley of the PSNI earlier in the session, who returned to answer questions posed by members.

Bridger provided additional context regarding his professional service under Baroness Nuala O'Loan while working for the oversight body.

No further details were confirmed regarding the specific actions taken by the Gardaí beyond the reported attempt to halt the publication of findings.

The inquiry remains focused on establishing the full sequence of events leading up to the public release of official documents.