Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy pointed out, families bereaved during the Troubles continue to feel the pain and the loss, and continue to seek the truth, accountability and justice. Existing mechanisms for dealing with the legacy of the past, while not perfect, deliver important outcomes for those families, such as the vindication of a murdered loved one's innocence. In its legacy Bill, the UK Government intends to permanently close off access to these mechanisms, such as inquests, police ombudsman investigations, civil cases and police investigations, which are working for families and, importantly, demonstrating a vindication of the State's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights to investigate killings effectively. During his recent engagements with the UK Secretary of State, the Tánaiste made clear the Government's opposition to this Bill and outlined his specific and serious concerns about its provision, and will continue to do so.

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