Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Acknowledged
Urge the Government of Ireland to establish human rights-compliant legacy investigations at pace.
Recommendation
We welcome the commitment to cooperation on legacy between the UK Government and the Government of Ireland. Ireland now needs to demonstrate its own commitment to establishing and completing human rights-compliant investigations, underpinned by legislation. There is a lack of clarity on the remit, independence and oversight of the proposed legacy unit in the Garda. Victim-survivors and other stakeholders will no doubt look for the establishment as soon as possible of structures comparable to those in the UK, to ensure confidence in the legacy process as a whole across the UK and Ireland. Dublin has stated that it needs to wait for London to implement its human rights-compliant structures before establishing its own. Noting that both governments are signatories to the ECHR, we would urge Dublin to move at pace to show their commitment and mutual good faith, and maximise confidence and the likelihood of successful outcomes. The lack of progress on the Republic of Ireland’s inquiry into the Omagh bombing remains a profound obstacle to uncovering the full truth. It continues to cause deep hurt for many and represents a serious failure of accountability. We have reservations about the Memorandum of 85 Understanding on the Inquiry which the Government of Ireland has agreed, and we do not believe it is a sustainable position for the Government to await its outworkings to determine whether our concerns are confirmed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 204) Reconciliation
Government Response Summary
The government reports that the Irish Government has established a dedicated unit for Troubles-related cases and is progressing legislation for cooperation, in line with Joint Framework commitments. It notes that questions about the unit's independence are for the Irish Government.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Joint Framework contains very clear and important commitments by the Irish Government. This includes the commitment to facilitate the fullest possible cooperation with the Legacy Commission, to establish a dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána for Troubles-related cases, and to investigate all unresolved Troubles-related incidents within its jurisdiction, and ensure that any potential investigative opportunities are proactively pursued. It is important that both governments faithfully implement, in a timely fashion, processes that are human rights compliant and can command public confidence, so that we can collectively address legacy issues. The Government engages regularly with the Irish Government on these matters. The Irish Government Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, confirmed on 22 January 2026 that the dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána for Troubles-related cases (the Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit), has been established. An Garda Síochána has also issued a statement to provide contact details for the unit, which “will endeavour to answer questions that victims or family members may have in relation to An Garda Síochána Troubles-related investigations and will liaise with Divisional level investigators nationwide in respect of same. It is headed by a Detective Chief Superintendent, who reports into the Assistant Commissioner, Garda Crime & Security Intelligence Service”. The Irish Government has also confirmed that work is underway on legislation to facilitate cooperation with the reformed Legacy Commission, and is hopeful that the General Scheme of that Bill (titled, the Legacy of the Troubles Bill) will be published in April or May of this year. This is an important initial step in the Irish legislative process. Faithful and timely implementation of the commitments in the Joint Framework are crucial to rebuild public confidence that legacy issues can be properly and fairly addressed. Questions regarding the independence and oversight of the dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána for Troubles-related cases are a matter for the Irish Government. As noted above, it is important that both governments faithfully implement, in a timely fashion, processes that are human rights compliant and can command public confidence, so that we can collectively address legacy issues.