Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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173. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up-to-date position on the establishment of the Legacy Commission to advance the implementation of the legacy framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57024/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Joint Framework I announced together with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn on 19 September sets out a comprehensive package aimed at providing truth, accountability, and, to the extent possible, justice for victims and families who lost loved ones during the Troubles. It represents a clear break with the 2023 UK Legacy Act.

A substantial number of the reforms contained in the package of measures are designed to improve the independence and accountability of the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which will be fundamentally reformed and re-named the Legacy Commission.

The lack of independence of the ICRIR was an issue from the inception of the Legacy Act, and universally opposed by victims, families and politicians alike in Northern Ireland. We therefore pressed for 'root and branch reform' of the ICRIR during our negotiations with the British Government.

In addition to its name change from the ICRIR to the Legacy Commission, the new Commission will have a suite of changes designed to ensure much improved independence. These will include: the creation of a statutory Independent Oversight Board; the formulation of statutory conflict of interest provisions; a Statutory Victims and Survivors Advisory Group; an independent appointments panel; and oversight of the exercise of police powers by the Commission.

Under the Joint Framework, the Legacy Commission will carry out investigations to UK-wide standards and will be tasked to explore all relevant investigative leads in any case referred to it. In all cases, the Commission will be under an obligation to provide as much information as possible to families.

A new Inquisitorial Mechanism will be established within the Legacy Commission. Hearings under this mechanism will be presided over by judges. It will be equipped to hold public hearings and, if necessary, private hearings to consider sensitive information. Provision will also be made for next of kin representation.

I note the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill brought forward by the Secretary of State last week. I welcome the speed at which the British government has brought forward the Bill. This demonstrates the seriousness with which the Secretary of State and his colleagues are approaching this essential work.

I have been examining the Bill closely and will continue to work intensively to ensure faithful implementation of both governments' respective commitments under the Joint Framework.