Northern Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026

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Thursday, 5 February 2026

Questions (96, 100)

Brendan Smith

Question:

96. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on any discussions she has had with the UK government in relation to legacy issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8623/26]

Cormac Devlin

Question:

100. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on her engagement with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8329/26]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 100 together.

I had an introductory call as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, on 19 November. It was a first opportunity to discuss legacy issues, as well as the work ongoing to strengthen and evolve relationships North-South and East-West.

Further to this call, I met with the Secretary of State at the British-Irish Council in Wales on 5 December. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss in further detail the implementation of the Joint Framework on the legacy of the Troubles, including progress on legislation in both jurisdictions.

At that meeting, I thanked the Secretary of State and his team for the speed at which they introduced the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which passed second reading on 18 November. I also conveyed that my overriding priority is to ensure the Bill establishes the various mechanisms and processes in a manner that allows for the reciprocal cooperation that is at the heart of the Framework.

Most recently, I spoke with the Secretary of State on 23 January, during which I provided an update on the progress the government has made on the implementation of our commitments, notably: the establishment of the Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit within An Garda Síochana; the inclusion of our implementing legislation, the Legacy of the Troubles Bill, in the Spring Legislation Programme; and our ongoing assistance to the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

I look forward to welcoming the Secretary of State to Dublin later this month.

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