Written answers

Tuesday, 10 July 2018

Department of Justice and Equality

Northern Ireland

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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301. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the work of the Independent Reporting Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30294/18]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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To facilitate monitoring of the implementation of measures aimed at ending paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland, the Fresh Start Agreement provided for the establishment by the two Governments of the Independent Reporting Commission. An international agreement between Ireland and UK establishing the Independent Reporting Commission was signed in Dublin on 13 September 2016 and it was given effect to by legislation in both jurisdictions allowing for the appointment of the Commission.

 The Commission’s functions are to:

- report annually on progress towards ending continuing paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland (or on such further occasions as required);

- report on the implementation of the relevant measures of the three administrations – critical here will be the NI Executive’s Strategy to tackle paramilitary activity and associated criminality; and

- consult the UK Government and relevant law enforcement agencies, the Irish Government and relevant law enforcement agencies and, in Northern Ireland, the Executive, PSNI, statutory agencies, local councils, communities and civic society organisations.

In my response to the Deputy's Question No. 126 of 20 June, I indicated that I would be meeting with the Independent Reporting Commission on 21 June to hear about the progress the Commission has been making in carrying out its functions.

I had a very informative and constructive meeting with members of the Commission.  The Commission has been very active in pursuing its remit and has had a wide engagement with a range of relevant stakeholders, both North and South.  The Commission anticipates submitting its first report to the Governments after the summer.  I took the opportunity to thank the Members for their commitment and their ongoing, detailed work and I look forward to receiving the Commission's first report. 

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