Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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50. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will establish a historical investigations unit to allow for independent police investigation into unresolved deaths and incidents of torture or ill treatment, as proposed by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Committee on the Administration of Justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54042/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Historical Investigation Unit structure was a proposal contained in the Stormont House Agreement specific to Northern Ireland.

In this jurisdiction, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, led by the Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime, holds a national investigative remit and is specialised in the area of major crime investigation. It undertakes and supports investigations on the direction of the Garda Commissioner.

The Deputy will also be aware that the expertise of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT), established in 2007 to provide for independent review of historical investigations, including homicides, is available where appropriate. These reviews constitute an independent examination of evidence and other material, gathered during investigation and to ensure that it conforms to approved standards; that the investigation has been thorough, conducted with integrity and objectivity; and to identify further investigative opportunities. The remit of the SCRT is broad and would include reviews of Troubles-related cases, where appropriate.

I am assured that, in circumstances where historic 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.

I can also assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to fulfil our shared responsibilities as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. The Programme for Government explicitly states our commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and to address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government at its meeting on 1 October formally approved the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles agreed with the British Government and announced on 19 September last. As part of this, the Government has committed to facilitating the cooperation of the relevant Irish authorities with the UK Legacy Commission, once established, to the fullest extent possible. The UK Government also commits to reciprocal cooperation by the UK authorities with investigations, inquests and inquiries on the same basis and in the same spirit.

As recognised in the Joint Framework investigations into Troubles-related incidents should be victim-centred. To further support this objective, the Garda Commissioner has committed to the establishment by the end of this year of a dedicated unit as a central point of contact for victims and families in relation to Troubles-related investigations undertaken by An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána has also committed, where possible, to endeavour to answer questions that a family may have in relation to the investigation of a Troubles-related incident and provide a report to the family. The provision of a family report may not prejudice an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution. I am committed to keeping these arrangements under review.