Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As of last week the British Government's so-called legacy Bill became law. The British intention is that inquests and investigations will remain unconcluded and that families will go without the answers or the justice they rightly deserve. This cynical and callous Bill is an affront to the victim-centred approach agreed as part of the Stormont House Agreement. The singular purpose it serves is to close the door on families ever getting truth and justice. It stands as a flagrant violation of international human rights law and breaches multiple international agreements to which the Irish Government is a co-guarantor. It has united victims and families, human rights experts and organisations, as well as every political party on this island in opposition to its cruel approach. Having witnessed the determination, strength and resolve of families campaigning for truth and justice over many decades, I have no doubt the British Government will fail in its objectives. However, the Irish Government has a role to play and an obligation to victims and their families to support their campaigns for truth and justice while opposing British attempts to erect a permanent veil of secrecy. Will the Taoiseach update the House in respect of the inter-state case the Government has initiated against the British Government in regard to this Bill in the European Court of Human Rights? Will the Taoiseach also outline the actions he has taken to ensure a victim-centred approach to progressing legacy matters and the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement?

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