Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021
634. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice if matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; if clarity will be provided in relation to the questions raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6961/21]
View answerThe Deputy refers to correspondence concerning a series of ongoing independent UK police investigations or reviews into Northern Ireland legacy cases that are collectively described as the Kenova cases and are headed up by former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.
The Deputy will appreciate that the manner in which these police investigations and reviews are pursued is entirely a matter for Operation Kenova.
The issue of cooperation by An Garda Síochána with Operation Kenova is an operational matter and one in which I do not have a role. I can however inform the Deputy that there are arrangements in place which support the mutual co-operation, assistance and exchange of information between An Garda Síochána and the Operation Kenova Investigation Team and that engagement is ongoing at this time. The Historical Investigation Coordination Unit within An Garda Síochána will continue to support this partnership.
I can advise the Deputy of my continuing commitment to supporting An Garda Síochána in pursuing this work and in providing assistance to the greatest extent possible.
More generally, the Deputy will appreciate that dealing with the legacy of the troubles on this island is a difficult and complex task. The Stormont House Agreement sets out a series of useful measures in this regard to establish effective ways to address the legacy of the troubles. The Government remains fully committed to the implementation of those measures and working in the interests of victims and their families.
Finally, with reference to the specific correspondence raised in this question, I am advised that there are a number of related pieces of correspondence which are receiving attention and that a reply will issue shortly.
