Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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72. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he asked the British Government whether the recent proposals to block legal action against British soldiers in Iraq will be extended to the actions of the British Army in the north of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3901/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the issue regarding the treatment of allegations against British soldiers who have served in Iraq. I have no information to suggest that there are any proposals to extend the same approach to British soldiers who are alleged to have been involved in criminal acts while on duty in Northern Ireland.

The Stormont House Agreement provides a comprehensive institutional framework for dealing with the legacy of the past. Irrespective of which group is alleged to have been responsible, these institutions will, when established, facilitate the pursuit of justice and information recovery for the victims and survivors of the Troubles and their families.

I remain convinced that the establishment of these new legacy institutions offers the best way to bring whatever healing is possible to victims and survivors and their families. Efforts are continuing to reach an agreement on the outstanding issues currently blocking their establishment and I am determined that they are resolved as quickly as possible so that the new legacy institutions can begin their important work.