Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last week the Tánaiste issued a public statement calling on the British Government to pause the legacy Bill and instead commit itself to a victim-centred justice mechanism set out in the Stormont House Agreement. The next day a Cabinet Minister told the House of Commons categorically that the legacy Bill would become law by the end of July. Political parties throughout the island are united in their opposition to the Bill which if passed will shut down the fundamental rights of families to seek justice through the courts for their loved ones. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as well as the Westminster Joint Committee on Human Rights and political partners in the US and Europe have all warned that this legislation is not compliant with international human rights. In a statement last week, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights warned that the Bill would violate British international obligations and put victims’ rights at risk.

Victims have welcomed the Taoiseach’s and his Government’s comments that they would consider taking an inter-state case to the European Court of Human Rights if this legislation is enacted. Can the Taoiseach confirm whether his Department is preparing to take the inter-state case? Will he consult with the Attorney General on it? At this time it is essential the Irish Government is unequivocal in its commitment to use every legal mechanism or avenue to uphold the rights for justice for all families.

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