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

As Deputy Crowe rightly points out, the British Government has agreed, at the request of the five Northern Ireland parties, to introduce legislation for the various legacy institutions, as envisaged under the Stormont House Agreement. The Bill will be introduced in the Commons in the coming weeks with a view towards having the institutions established in the course of 2016. However, aspects of the status and functions of the legacy institutions are the subject of discussions among the parties. The outcome of these discussions will have an impact on the final shape of the Bill.

I understand the point raised by the Deputy in so far as there are certain concerns over aspects of the detail of the legislation. I, along with my officials, am following the discussions closely and we are contributing to the facilitation of the parties in overcoming any difficult issues that might arise as regards the setting up of these institutions. It is important that all parties continue to focus on the Stormont House Agreement, the promotion of reconciliation, upholding the rule of law, acknowledging and addressing the suffering of victims and survivors and facilitating the pursuit of justice. In the context of the current talks, it is important that all aspects of the Stormont House Agreement are implemented in the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.

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