Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement to discuss British Government Legacy Proposals

Professor Kieran McEvoy from Queen’s University Belfast and Daniel Holder from the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) will address the meeting which will take place in Committee Room 1 of Leinster House between 13:30-16:30.  

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Fergus O’Dowd said: “The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation Bill) cleared the House of Commons earlier this week despite vociferous opposition from politicians across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland. Representatives from the SDLP, DUP and the Alliance Party were among the representatives who voted against it.  

“The Bill would ban future inquests and civil cases by families seeking answers on those who were killed during the Troubles. This Committee has previously stated our concern and our opposition towards the Bill and raised the issue with US lawmakers when a delegation from the Committee recently travelled to Washington DC.”  

“This is a timely opportunity to meet with representatives from the Committee on the Administration of Justice and Professor McEvoy to hear their thoughts on the Bill and how it impacts on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.” 

“The Bill would instead introduce a new body headed by a judicial figure appointed by the UK Government  which would conduct investigations deaths and have the power to grant immunity or and affective amnesty from prosecution to those who co-operated with it. The Bill would also bring to an end inquests which have not reached an advanced stage and prevent future inquests into Troubles-related deaths.”

“This is a timely opportunity to meet with representatives from the Committee on the Administration of Justice and Professor McEvoy to hear their thoughts on the Bill and how it impacts on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the wider human rights of victims and their families.”  

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.