Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
158. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement that has taken place with the British government in relation to the repeal of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15429/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagement to date with his UK counterparts in relation to legacy issues in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15458/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussion with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland in relation to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15454/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158, 179 and 180 together.
I have been clear that the UK Legacy Act, as it stands, is not fit for purpose. At the same time, in addressing the legacy of the Troubles, I know there is a need to develop fit-for-purpose mechanisms to seek truth and justice for victims and their families. We have committed to work towards this in the Programme for Government.
Intensive and constructive work has been ongoing since last autumn, at both official and political level, between the two governments to determine if we can find adequate common ground to move forward together.
On 24 January, in my first call with the Secretary of State of Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, on taking office, we expressed our shared commitment to making progress on legacy. I had a positive and substantive meeting with the Secretary of State in Dublin on 26 February, primarily focused on legacy issues. This was followed by a further discussion with the Secretary of State on legacy on the margins of the Ireland-UK Summit in Liverpool on 7 March.
I have also emphasised the need to develop a framework that is compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and commands the confidence of survivors and victims’ families. On the latter point, I met in February with Northern Ireland victims’ and survivors’ groups to hear their perspectives on legacy matters. I would like to express my gratitude to them and to all who continue to advocate on behalf of those who suffered terrible trauma and loss during the Troubles.
I have also discussed the Omagh Bombing Inquiry with the Secretary of State. I have emphasised the Government’s commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction. This includes facilitating and supporting the work of the Inquiry.
On reform of the UK Legacy Act, differences remain. However, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, Hilary Benn and I agree that we make the greatest progress when our two governments work together, and we are both eager to try to find a workable way forward.
I look forward to meeting the Secretary of State again later this month at the upcoming British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference and continuing this work.
