Joint Framework on Legacy by Irish and UK governments a step towards justice for victims, families and survivors – Feighan and Currie

Fine Gael TDs Frank Feighan, the party’s Spokesperson on Northern Ireland and on UK relations, and Emer Currie, Chair of the Fine Gael Northern Ireland Engagement Group, have welcomed the publication of the joint framework on legacy by the Irish and UK governments

Deputy Frank Feighan said: “Today’s proposals represent a fundamental reform of legacy processes and move toward the goal of securing truth, accountability, and, insofar as possible, justice for victims, families and survivors.

“As the Tánaiste has said repeatedly, legacy issues can only be addressed by both governments working together. The framework today is a clear demonstration of the UK-Ireland reset, which began last year when Simon Harris as Taoiseach met with Prime Minister Starmer at Chequers.  

“Over the last year the Irish government has had two overriding aims guiding its approach to discussions on reform. The first being that whatever agreement is reached and turned into law secure the support of victims and families, while recognising that this may take time and the second that it must be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

“If the provisions in the agreed package of measures are faithfully translated into legislation by the UK Government, I believe these twin aims can be achieved. If the new UK legislation faithfully follows the framework we have agreed, I believe it can be human rights compliant and will make a real and tangible difference to the people of these islands.

Deputy Emer Currie said: “Today’s announcement promises, if implemented faithfully and in full in the time ahead, root and branch reform to the mechanisms designed to address the legacy of the Troubles.

“The 2023 UK Legacy Act was unilaterally conceived, drafted, and implemented by the then UK government with, frankly, disastrous consequences. The work over the last nine months by Tánaiste Simon Harris with the Secretary of State has brought us to an agreement that now offers a fundamental step change in approach.

“As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, this renewed partnership approach is essential to progress peace and reconciliation on this island.

“The most important outcome is access to truth and accountability for families, underpinned by compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. This is a genuine attempt by the Tánaiste and the Irish Government to address the multiple failings of the 2023 Legacy Act.”