Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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87. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the message has been received in London that attempts to provide an amnesty in respect of troubles related atrocities is unacceptable and that justice is demanded in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3864/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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It has been the consistent position of the Government that there should be effective investigations into all Troubles-related deaths, regardless of the perpetrator. The rule of law and the protections afforded by the European Convention on Human Rights must apply equally to everyone and must be upheld, and this principle is at the core of the Stormont House framework.

The Stormont House Agreement was reached in 2014 by both Governments and the political parties after intensive negotiations, and sets out a comprehensive and balanced framework to address the painful legacy of the past.

The proposals published by the British Government on 14 July 2021 for a Statute of Limitation’, ending criminal investigations and prosecutions relating to Troubles-related incidents, as well as inquests and civil litigation, represents a very radical departure from the Stormont House Agreement. We have been clear that this is not something we could support.

Where the British Government propose significant changes to that framework, these must be discussed and agreed by both Governments and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive. Only through a collective approach can we hope to deal with these issues comprehensively and fairly and in a way that responds to the needs of victims, survivors and society.

Following a meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 24 June, we agreed to begin an intensive process of engagement with the British Government and the Northern Ireland parties to find an agreed way forward, with discussions beginning in July. Importantly, this process engaged fully with victims’ representatives. It has also shown the breadth and strength of opposition to the proposals set out on UK Command paper on legacy.

At the last BIIGC, which took place on 2 December, I had a full discussion with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, in relation to the ongoing legacy engagement process, and to caution against unilateral action. The Taoiseach also wrote to the Prime Minister setting out his concerns on 7 December.

We have strongly communicated our position on this issue to the British Government and will continue to do so, and to seek a collective way forward. The Government will continue to engage and work with the British Government and the parties represented on the Northern Ireland Executive on this very important issue in the period immediately ahead.