Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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56. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he watched the recent documentaries regarding the Ballymurphy massacre; the status of attempts to deal with this very significant event in Northern Ireland’s past and other legacy issues; and when he last discussed these issues with with his British counterpart. [37666/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I met with the families of some of the victims of the Ballymurphy massacre in Belfast on 22 November 2017 to hear their views and experiences and to express the Government’s support.

The Government has supported the long campaign of the Ballymurphy families, including in 2015 in bringing forward the All-Party Dáil Motion, and the Government will continue to stand in solidarity with the families.

I welcome the fact that a date for a fresh inquest into the Ballymurphy killings has been set, and the inquest is now due to commence on 12 November. I hope that the inquest will proceed without any further delay and provide the families with the answers that they are still seeking after forty-seven years.

I am aware of the documentaries on the killings that took place in Ballymurphy in August 1971, which are an important contribution to remembrance and understanding of those terrible events.

I have directed my Department to monitor developments with the case and my officials to remain in regular contact with the families.

There are many other victims’ families that are also still seeking truth and justice, often decades after their loss.

Dealing with outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the Troubles is of the utmost importance to the Government, as reflected in the Programme for a Partnership Government.

Regarding legacy inquests in Northern Ireland, I have consistently emphasised in my discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties the need to ensure proper resourcing of these inquests, and I continue to raise this matter with the Secretary of State. I have urged all those with responsibilities in relation to legacy inquests to move forward as quickly as possible with the implementation of the proposals made by the Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland in this regard. The Government is continuing to seek urgent progress on this matter.

I have also engaged extensively with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with all of the political parties to support a way forward on the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement legacy framework. Secretary of State Bradley and I are agreed on the imperative of now moving ahead with the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy framework.

On 11 May, I welcomed the launch of a public consultation by the British Government on their draft legislation to establish the legacy bodies provided for in the Stormont House Agreement. This is an important step in the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. While that consultation is about UK legislation to establish the institutions, legislation will also be required in this jurisdiction to provide for cooperation with the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies. The drafting of legislative proposals for consideration by the Government and Oireachtas is advancing, led by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.

Comprehensive progress on legacy issues from the Troubles is crucial in order to meet the legitimate needs and expectations of victims and survivors and to contribute to broader societal reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process. The Government will continue to engage in support of that, consistent with our role and responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.