Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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88. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will use the various diplomatic channels open to him to ensure a commissioner is appointed to the Commission for Victims and Survivors in Northern Ireland. [37275/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government is committed to working with the UK Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland to address the painful legacy of the Troubles through the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement framework. A key part of this work is meeting the legitimate needs of victims and survivors in Northern Ireland and across the island of Ireland.

It is for the First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, acting jointly, to appoint the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.  The role of Commissioner is an essential and ongoing one as a voice for those victims and families directly affected by violence in Northern Ireland, ensuring that their needs and perspectives are fully taken into account in any legislation or other measures that address the legacy of the Troubles. 

In our ongoing engagement with the British Government, the Northern Ireland parties and other key stakeholders on the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement and dealing with the legacy of the past, we will continue to seek to support a collective way forward that meets the needs of victims and their families, and society as a whole.