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Northern Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Questions (83, 84)

Micheál Martin

Question:

83. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he met with the family of a person (details supplied); if so, the issues that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14871/19]

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Micheál Martin

Question:

84. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is in a position to assist the family of a person (details supplied); if their request will be discussed with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14872/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the family of Councillor Patsy Kelly on 27 March last during their visit to Leinster House.

I am conscious of the pain and suffering that the Kelly family have endured as a result of the terrible murder of Councillor Kelly in 1974, which has been compounded by the successive inconclusive investigations into his death, which continue to this day.

My Department officials also met with the Kelly family on 27 March and received a full update on the current status of the case, and the family’s concerns. I have directed that my Department offer any assistance possible to the Kelly family and keep them informed on this engagement on their behalf.

My Department has previously raised the family’s concerns with the British Government through the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) Secretariat in Belfast. It will do so again on foot of this engagement and will keep the matter under review in light of the responses received.

The Government is strongly committed to the establishment of a new institutional framework to deal with the past in Northern Ireland, as provided for under the Stormont House Agreement of 2014, so that victims’ families, across all sections of the community in Northern Ireland, can have access to the Historical Investigations Unit which will conduct Article 2-compliant investigations into all outstanding Troubles-related deaths.

I have engaged extensively with the British Government and with all of the political parties in Northern Ireland to support a way forward with the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies. Legislation will also be required in this jurisdiction to provide for cooperation with the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies. The drafting of legislative proposals for consideration by the Government and Oireachtas is advancing, led by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.

I am continuing to seek urgent progress with the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies; however, I recognise that the Kelly family’s long and dignified search for truth and justice must continue under the current system for now, as they continue to seek a resolution after more than four decades.

I will continue to engage with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in support of the establishment of the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies as soon as possible, to provide a better way of dealing with the past in Northern Ireland, which is so important and overdue for victims and survivors, including the family of Councillor Kelly.

Comprehensive progress on legacy issues from the Troubles is crucial in order to meet the legitimate needs and expectations of victims and survivors, and to contribute to broader societal reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process. The Government will continue to engage in support of that, consistent with our role and responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.

Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 81.
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