Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

The case of the person in question, Michael, and the family's desire for answers have been raised on a number of occasions at ministerial level with the UK Government. As the Deputy mentioned, following new evidence unearthed since the dismissal of the initial inquest in 1973, the Attorney General for Northern Ireland ordered a fresh inquest into the person in question's death on 30 April 2024. Unfortunately, this new inquest was never commenced due to the UK legacy Act, introduced in May 2024.

The joint framework on legacy, announced on 19 September by the two Governments, fundamentally reforms the 2023 UK legacy Act. It aims to provide a pathway to truth and accountability and, to the extent possible, justice for those most affected by the violence of the Troubles. It lifts the ban on inquests and provides a way forward for those inquests, such as the inquest of Michael, that were ordered but not commenced before the 2023 Act.

Once the implementing UK legislation has been passed and enacted, Michael's case will be independently assessed by the UK Solicitor General to consider whether it would be most appropriately dealt with by the reformed legacy commission or via the coronial system. This assessment will be carried out on the basis of specific criteria set out in legislation, including the views of families and the next of kin.

Too many families in Northern Ireland have waited for far too long for truth and accountability. My focus is now on making sure that the processes established by the joint framework are up and running as soon as possible. I have already engaged with Mr. Hilary Benn MP on this particular issue but also more broadly on ensuring that we can continue to strengthen and evolve relationships North, South, east and west. I look forward to, hopefully, meeting Ms Yvette Cooper MP soon and to making sure that those relations are strong and all matters can be discussed. I look forward to working with victim and survivor groups closely over the coming months, as well as with political parties in Northern Ireland, to ensure that the reformed legacy commission, once set up, has the ability to command the confidence of victims and survivors of the Troubles.

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