Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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157. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a series of matters in relation to safeguards for veterans in the Joint Framework announcement (details supplied) will be clarified. [54753/25]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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158. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline his understanding of the ‘safeguards for veterans’ package’ as described by the British government to protect army veterans; and if the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Government officials are aware of or involved in same. [54754/25]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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159. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the British army veterans’ package prior to the Joint Framework announcement; if the Irish Government was involved in discussions with the British government in relation to the package in the period leading up to the Joint Framework announcement; and if it was the Irish Government’s understanding that the safeguards would apply across the board and not only to British army veterans. [54755/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 158 and 159 together.

The Joint Framework I announced on 19 September alongside Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, sets out a comprehensive package aimed at providing truth and accountability for victims and families who lost loved ones during the Troubles.

The Joint Framework offers the best opportunity for addressing one of the most difficult issues of the peace process and I look forward to its implementation in both jurisdictions.

As distinct from the Joint Framework, the protections for British army veterans announced by the British Government on the same day, were not a product of bilateral negotiation or discussion.

While it is for the British government to outline any specific measures they intend to take forward in respect of veterans that are separate from the Joint Framework, it is both my clear understanding, and the view of the Government of Ireland, that any accommodations made for witnesses would apply to all equally. For example, it is currently possible for witnesses in inquest in Northern Ireland to give evidence remotely and, under certain circumstances, they have the ability to give evidence anonymously. As with inquests, any such provisions in the new Legacy Commission must be open to all witnesses, based on objective criteria. This includes veterans and other witnesses alike.

The overriding objective of this Framework is to provide pathways to truth and justice for all those affected by the violence of the Troubles. Every family, from every community, is entitled to that. Every person involved in those legacy processes is entitled to have their legal rights respected and to due process. That must apply equally, and to everyone.