Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
210. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the Government's commitments under the new joint legacy framework; the up-to-date position on the establishment of the dedicated legacy unit within An Garda Síochána; the powers to be afforded to said unit to investigate legacy cases related to the Northern Ireland conflict; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3443/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe measures announced in the Joint Framework on Legacy, published in September 2025, place responsibilities on both the British and Irish Governments. Reciprocal cooperation between the two jurisdictions is at the heart of the Joint Framework.
In this jurisdiction, we are committed to enabling “the fullest possible cooperation of the relevant Irish authorities with the Legacy Commission, once established” and the Government will bring forward legislation, namely the Legacy of the Troubles Bill listed in the Spring 2026 Legislation Programme, to facilitate this cooperation. This legislation will also provide for the establishment of the jointly funded Independent Commission on Information Retrieval (ICIR). The Minister for Justice, Migration and Home Affairs has indicated that he is hopeful that the General Scheme of the Bill will be published in April or May.
We are also committed to a financial contribution of €25 million over three years to include the costs of participation and representation of victims, survivors and next of kin in legacy processes.
The Joint Framework includes a commitment that a dedicated unit will be established as a central point of contact and coordination within An Garda Síochána for victims and families in relation to Troubles-related investigations. The unit, known as the Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit, has now been established within An Garda Síochána.
In line with the commitment in the Joint Framework, the investigation of Troubles-related cases will continue to be undertaken by the relevant Garda Division in which the incident occurred with the support of national units as required. This is the most appropriate and effective approach in this jurisdiction.
As the Deputy will be aware, within An Garda Síochána, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation holds a national investigative remit specialised in the area of major crime investigation which can provide support to local Divisions. This includes, where appropriate, deploying the expertise of the Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) to provide for independent review of historical investigations, including homicides.
In circumstances where historic offences have not been resolved, the investigations remain open and the Garda Authorities follow up fully on any new evidence or information that becomes available to them, whether that comes from the public, from other police services or from their own investigations.
In time, once the Joint Framework has been implemented and embedded, further investigative leads may come to light through reciprocal cooperation with the UK authorities.
Its full operation will, however, depend on the progress made by the UK Government in enacting the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and the reformed Legacy Commission becoming fully operational.
