The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is to
examine the Government's new approach to legacy issues in
Northern Ireland and the steps that need to be taken to meet the
needs of victims, survivors and their families.
The Committee's inquiry has
been launched following the Secretary of State's
announcement this month of the intention to repeal and
replace aspects of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and
Reconciliation) Act 2023. Under the Government's plans civil
cases will be restarted and legislation brought forward on
inquests and information disclosure. While intending to retain
the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information
Recovery (ICRIR), the Government has pledged to reform and
strengthen its independence, powers and accountability.
The Committee will take evidence and hear directly from people
across communities in Northern Ireland to make recommendations to
shape the Government's plans.
In exploring the Government's new approach, the inquiry will
consider what the future role and powers of ICRIR should be and
how to build trust in the commission. It will also look at the
process for restoring Troubles-related inquests, how
reconciliation can be facilitated effectively and the steps that
need to be taken to record an acceptable history of the Troubles.
MP, Chair of the Northern
Ireland Affairs Committee, said:
“Too many survivors and families of victims have waited too long
for answers. If the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland cannot
be appropriately addressed, the potential for peace and
prosperity there and throughout the rest of the UK will never be
fully realised. While the Government has committed to repealing
the Legacy Act, there is still considerable uncertainty over what
comes next. The Committee now has a key role to play in hearing
from people from all communities in Northern Ireland on the best
way ahead, so we can ensure that those affected by the past are
at the centre of the Government's thinking as it develops its new
approach.”
Terms of reference
The Committee would welcome the submission of written
evidence that addresses any of the following:
- Whether the Government's new approach meets the needs of
victims, survivors and their families; and
- What steps the Government should take to:
-
- reform and strengthen ICRIR's independence, powers and
accountability;
- build trust in ICRIR;
- facilitate an effective process for reconciliation;
- enable the restoration of effective Troubles-related
inquests;
- ensure ICRIR has a credible approach to information
disclosure;
- allow for effective and appropriate next of kin
participation in cases;
- enable ICRIR to hold effective public hearings; and
- introduce an effective process for recording a history of
the Troubles.
The deadline for submissions is 11.59pm on Wednesday 5 February.
