I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 70 together.
Both Governments gave a commitment to address the issue of OTRs at Weston Park in 2001 and, as part of the Joint Declaration of 2003, undertook to bring forward proposals on the issue within their respective legislative and constitutional framework. In the context of recent acts of completion, both Governments were of the view that this issue had to be addressed.
The British Government has recently published legislative proposals for dealing with OTRs in its jurisdiction. While this is a matter primarily for the British Government, I am aware that concerns have been expressed with regard to a number of aspects, including the decision to include the security forces within the scope of the legislation. The Government has conveyed its concerns about this particular aspect, which was not the subject of prior consultation, to the British authorities. The Government will continue to monitor the progress of the legislation and, in particular, seek to ensure that the ongoing work of establishing the truth with regard to the large number of unsolved cases arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland is not impeded.
The proposals to deal with the issue in this jurisdiction are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I refer the Deputy to the Minister's statement of 8 November on this matter.