Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 October 2024
5. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland and with the British foreign secretary in relation to legacy issues in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40602/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince his appointment in July, I have had a number of engagements with the Secretary of State on legacy issues. I spoke to him on his first day in office, and have met with him in Belfast and in Oxford. I also discussed legacy with the Foreign Secretary on the day of his appointment, and met with him in Dublin on 3 October.
I welcome the British Government's stated intention to repeal and replace the Legacy Act. What this means in practice and how this work can be taken forward has been the primary focus of my conversations with the Secretary of State.
I have also noted the Secretary of State’s intention to retain the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. In my engagement with him I have made clear that any framework to address the legacy of the past needs to command the support of victims and families. Achieving this will require a robust, thorough, and ambitious process, involving root and branch reform of the ICRIR. It will only be effective if it is advanced in partnership between the two governments.
As we take this work forward, the needs of victims and the obligation to ensure a framework compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights will remain central to this Government’s approach. The Government is committed to working with the British Government to explore whether and how we can develop an agreed approach on this fundamentally important issue. Conversations to date have been constructive, but more work is needed. Fundamental and meaningful reform of this deeply flawed legislation must be at the heart of our efforts.
