Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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36. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the introduction of the historical investigations unit in Northern Ireland in line with the Stormont House Agreement; and if he has had discussions with the Minister for Justice and Equality regarding the merits of a similar unit in this jurisdiction. [40121/18]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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44. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress in dealing with legacy issues following the Stormont House Agreement and the A Fresh Start Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40304/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 44 together.

Dealing with outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the Troubles is of the utmost importance to the Government. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to building on the progress made to establish the comprehensive institutional framework for dealing with the past that is provided for under the 2014 Stormont House Agreement.

Victims and survivors have had to wait for far too long for a suitable and effective system in Northern Ireland to deal with the legacy of the Troubles. Over the last 18 months, I have 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 bodies.

I have also consistently emphasised in these discussions the need to ensure proper resourcing of legacy inquests in Northern Ireland, and I continue to raise this matter, seeking urgent progress.

Secretary of State Bradley and I are agreed on the imperative of moving ahead with the full implementation 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 as an important step forward.

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.

The Historical Investigation Unit (HIU) is one of the institutions provided for as part of the legacy framework of the Stormont House Agreement. The HIU will take forward outstanding investigations into Troubles-related deaths in Northern Ireland, from the Historical Enquiries Team process and the historical investigations of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. The HIU was provided for under the Stormont House Agreement in response to concerns about shortcomings with the investigation of outstanding Troubles-related deaths, which are unique to Northern Ireland.

There is no provision under the Stormont House Agreement for a similar body in this jurisdiction. The investigation of crime, including unresolved, Troubles-related crimes, is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the deployment of all Garda resources, including personnel.

The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan T.D., has confirmed to this House that in circumstances where historic, Troubles-related offences have not been resolved, the investigations remain open and the Garda Authorities will and do follow up fully on any new evidence or information that becomes available to them, whether that comes from the public, from other police services or from their own investigations.

The Government has also committed to putting in place the necessary additional provisions for the HIU to co-operate with relevant authorities in this jurisdiction. As I have noted, the drafting of legislative proposals for consideration by the Government and Oireachtas in this regard 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.