Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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457. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the revelations in the British Broadcasting Corporation's programme "Spotlight" on 24 November 2015 regarding the murder of a person (details supplied), the 50 allegations regarding the double-agent known as Steaknife, the implications for the truth and reconciliation process in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43467/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the announcement in October by the Director of Public Prosecutions in Northern Ireland that he has requested the PSNI Chief Constable to investigate the full range of alleged offences which relate to the activities of the individual commonly known under the codename ‘Steaknife’ or ‘Stakeknife’. This includes the investigation of any criminal activity that may have been carried out by Security Service Personnel and the murder of the person in question. Given the broad scope and range of possible offences, relating to up to fifty murders, this investigation will require considerable PSNI resources if it is to be concluded effectively. I understand that the PSNI is currently engaged in a scoping exercise to determine the potential scale of the investigation necessary, with a view to potentially seeking additional resources from the Northern Department of Justice or from the Northern Ireland Office. The issues raised in this case are serious and complex, and are a reminder of the importance of dealing with the legacy of the violence perpetrated by all parties to the Troubles. I remain convinced that the institutional framework as agreed in the Stormont House Agreement offers the best possible way of bringing whatever healing is possible to those affected by the loss of loved ones and those who continue to suffer trauma. The Government remains committed to achieving the establishment of these institutions so that we can, in a fundamental way, deal with the past and foster reconciliation.

It is my intention to meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP, and with the Northern Minister for Justice, David Ford, later this month. Among the issues which we would discuss would be how to make progress on legacy matters. This would include how the PSNI’s legacy investigations would be resourced pending implementation of a new institutional framework for dealing with the past.