Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 May 2018
80. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress to date in implementing legislative measures as required under the 2014 Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19181/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDealing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the Troubles are of the utmost importance to the Government. The Programme for a Partnership Government highlights this priority, including a specific reference to implementation of the institutional framework on the past, as provided for under the Stormont House Agreement 2014. In the discussions at Stormont Castle on outstanding commitments that took place between March and June last year, my predecessor and I engaged extensively with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and all of the political parties to seek a way forward to implement the Stormont House legacy framework. This built on the progress made on legacy issues during the talks in 2015 that led to the Fresh Start Agreement.
I also emphasised in discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties, the need to ensure that legacy inquests are properly resourced and I continue to raise this issue with the Secretary of State. I have urged all with responsibilities in relation to legacy inquests to move forward as quickly as possible to implement the helpful proposals of the Lord Chief Justice for Northern Ireland.
I am working intensively with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to consider means by which we can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement, to seek a way forward on the formation of a new Executive and as soon as possible.
In our recent discussions, the Secretary of State and I have agreed on the importance and urgency of achieving a definitive move forward with the establishment of the Stormont House legacy framework.
Victims and survivors have had to wait for far too long already for a suitable and effective system in Northern Ireland for dealing with legacy issues from the Troubles.
The next step in relation to the Stormont House Agreement legacy institutions is expected to be a public consultation by the British Government on their draft legislation to establish the legacy bodies provided for in the Stormont House Agreement.
Legislation will also be required in this jurisdiction to provide for cooperation with the Stormont House legacy bodies. The preparation of legislative proposals for consideration by the Government and the Oireachtas is being advanced by the Department of Justice and Equality in consultation with my Department.
The Government remains determined to see that there is progress in the period ahead on the Stormont House Agreement institutions, on legacy inquests in Northern Ireland and on other outstanding legacy issues, including the three all-Party Motions adopted by this House on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
The Government will continue to engage with the British Government and the political parties to seek an urgent move forward on these legacy issues to meet the legitimate needs and expectations of victims and survivors, and contribute to broader societal reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process.
