Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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131. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the likely timeline for the introduction of legislation following the publication of the legacy framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66604/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is referring to the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles agreed with the British Government and announced on 19 September last and formally approved by Government on 1 October. The Joint Framework provides routes to truth and accountability for those most affected by the violence of the Troubles. It reflects the Government's commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and to address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction.

As part of this, the Government has committed to putting into place the arrangements necessary to facilitate the fullest possible cooperation with the Legacy Commission, once established. The UK Government has also committed to reciprocal cooperation on the same basis and in the same spirit. Legislation is required in both jurisdictions to support the full implementation of our respective commitments.

At the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 17 November, the Tánaiste and I had a productive discussion with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on progress on this matter. I welcomed the introduction of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill in the UK Parliament on 14 October which has since undergone its Second Reading, and stated my commitment to bringing forward the necessary legislation to support implementation in jurisdiction, in particular, cooperation with the Legacy Commission processes.

While our legislation can only be published and proceed through the Houses once the UK Bill is in place I hope to be in a position to publish my proposals next Spring and to be in a position to bring them before the Houses as quickly as possible once the UK Bill is law. My intention at that point would be to support its passage through the Houses as a priority having regard to the timeline for the Legacy Commission to become operational.