Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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7. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the making of any legacy deal with the UK government that would undermine the calls for a public inquiry into the murder of a person (details supplied). [26268/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have been consistent in my view that the UK Legacy Act, as it stands, is not fit for purpose. At the same time, in addressing the legacy of the Troubles, I know there is a need to develop fit-for-purpose mechanisms to seek truth and justice for victims and their families. We must strive towards that valuable prize.

To that end, intensive and constructive work has been ongoing with the British government since last autumn to determine if we can move forward together on legacy, through fundamental reform of the Legacy Act and the commission it establishes. I am in ongoing discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on this matter.

I have consistently said, compliance with the ECHR, and the ability to command the confidence of victims and survivors of the Troubles, remain the key benchmarks against which to assess progress in the coming period. That is the basis on which the Government will continue to engage with the UK government as we assess whether, and how, we can develop an agreed approach on this issue of fundamental importance.

Any agreement on legacy with the UK government must be one that provides, not prohibits, viable routes to truth and justice for families and victims. I am aware that in the case referenced by the Deputy, both the Northern Ireland High Court and Northern Ireland Court of Appeal have said that the only lawful option available in providing the family with an ECHR article 2 compliant investigation is to order a public inquiry. I have raised the case in question directly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on a number of occasions.

I do not believe that working towards a deal on a wider package of legacy measures should undermine efforts to deal properly with this specific case. The family in question have waited too long to learn the truth of what happened to their loved one.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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8. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding whether a national security veto in any reformed Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (details supplied) will command the confidence of victims and survivors in such a body dealing with the legacy of the Troubles; and how the policy of the Government is being pressed. [26269/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In discussions with the UK Government on reform of the UK Legacy Act, I have two core guiding principles: compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights and seeking to secure the confidence of victims and survivors.

Issues around disclosure form part of these discussions. I raised the issue of disclosure with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland during our recent conversations, including at the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 24 April.

Overall, I have been clear and consistent that the Commission established by the Act must be fundamentally reformed.

I am aware that the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal said that the Secretary of State has an effective veto over the release of sensitive information, and that the Secretary of State is appealing some of the findings of the Court.

I continue to meet with families, victims organisations, and political representatives in Northern Ireland, hearing their perspectives and concerns on disclosure and other sensitive matters.

I will continue to press for a framework which secures the confidence of victims and survivors.