Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept the importance for victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland conflict, including those in this jurisdiction, as referenced by Deputy Smith, of the fact that the Stormont House Agreement provides for a new and comprehensive framework for dealing with the legacy of the past. In the agreement, the two Governments recognised that there are outstanding investigations into allegations on the matter of incidents related to the Troubles, including a number with a cross-Border dimension. As part of the framework on the past as set out in the agreement, it is proposed that people in both jurisdictions will have access to an independent commission on information retrieval which will enable them to seek and receive information about the death of their loved ones during the Troubles. The establishment of the ICIR will require legislation in this jurisdiction. I wish to assure Deputy Smith that I continue to raise the matter of the incidents. The ICIR and the historical investigations unit will present an opportunity to deal finally and comprehensively with the very vexed legacy of the Troubles, which is personal for so many thousands of people.

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