Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
43. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she has had any recent discussions with the British government in relation to legacy issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38331/26]
View answer49. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which she is engaging with the UK Government to ensure that the measures announced in The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework are faithfully implemented in both jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37997/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 49 together.
Since taking office, I have had a series of engagements and discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on legacy issues, most recently at the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference (BIIGC) in Hillsborough Castle on 30 April.
At the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference, our discussion focused, in particular, on the implementation of the Joint Framework on legacy, published by our two governments on 19 September 2025.
I updated the Secretary of State on the progress we have made to date implementing our commitments in this jurisdiction.
The Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit, as committed to under the Joint Framework, is up and running in terms of answering questions that victims or family members may have with regard to investigations.
The outline of the legislation to give effect to our commitments, and allow for the fullest possible cooperation with a reformed Legacy Commission is expected to be brought to Government for approval, and published, in the coming weeks.
While I reiterated my gratitude for the speed at which the UK government initially brought forward the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, I expressed my concern and disappointment at the time that has elapsed since the second reading in November 2025, with no date scheduled yet for the next step in the process, which is Committee stage. I received assurances from the Secretary of State that the Bill will return to the House of Commons in the new parliamentary session at Westminster, and that Committee stage will be scheduled at an early point.
It is essential that both governments work to implement what was agreed between us together last September, in full, and as soon as possible. That is the best route to truth accountability and justice for victims and their families, and victims and their families must continue to be our focus.
