Good Friday Committee to discuss the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the UK Government's plans around the Human Rights Act with Amnesty International UK

The following representatives are due to appear remotely:

Deputy Programme Director, Amnesty International Northern Ireland UK - Gráinne Teggart
Eugene Reavey
Michael O’Hare

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Fergus O’Dowd said: “We look forward to speaking to representatives from Amnesty International about the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill and the UK Government's plans around the Human Rights Act.”

“Michael O’Hare is the brother of Majella O’Hare, a 12-year-old girl shot dead by a British Army soldier in 1976. Eugene Reavey is brother of John Martin, Brian and Anthony, who were murdered by the UVF in 1976.”

“Amnesty International have pointed out that The Bill fails to comply with the UK’s human rights obligations and have called for the Bill to be dropped entirely and for the UK Government to revert to the Stormont House Agreement.”

“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 travelled to Washington DC earlier this year.”

"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 an effective amnesty from prosecution to those who co-operated with it. The Bill would also bring to an end to inquests which have not reached an advanced stage and prevent future inquests into Troubles-related deaths.”

“This is a timely opportunity to meet with the families of Troubles victims and Amnesty International 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.