The Irish and British governments have announced a new joint framework aimed at dealing with legacy issues and reconciliation stemming from the Troubles.
The new framework replaces as controversial legacy plan put forward by the previous British government.
A statement said the framework represented a "fundamental reform" of that 2023 Legacy Act.
The new framework was announced Friday by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn at a press conference in Hillsborough Castle, County Down.
"The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework" is the conclusion of months of intensive engagement between the Irish and UK governments, the Irish Times reported.
It was immediately welcomed by the U.S. government and members of Congress.
Said Mr. Harris in a statement: "The Joint Framework provides for sweeping reforms of the mechanisms designed to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and across this island.
“Agreement on the framework represents a welcome return to a partnership approach on Northern Ireland by the two governments. As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, that partnership is essential to progress peace and reconciliation on this island.
“The 2023 UK Legacy Act was unilaterally conceived, unilaterally drafted, and unilaterally implemented. Today is a step-change from that. The Joint Framework will bring about root and branch reform of the UK Legacy Act and the commission it established. Among other elements, it will: Lift the prohibition on civil cases; Restore inquests halted by the Legacy Act; Completely overhaul the independence and governance of ICRIR, renaming it the Legacy Commission and putting in place a statutory Independent Oversight Board, robust conflict of interest provisions, a Victims and Survivors Advisory Group and an independent appointments panel advising on senior appointments; Ensure the Legacy Commission can carry out investigations, to UK-wide standards, capable of leading to prosecution; Establish a new, judge-led inquisitorial mechanism, with public hearings and effective next-of-kin participation; Reforms provisions on disclosure of sensitive information, removing the power of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to give guidance to the Legacy Commission about the identification of sensitive information
“In summary, the Joint Framework provides routes to truth and accountability for those most affected by the violence of the Troubles.
“The Irish Government made clear from the outset that any agreed joint approach to legacy by the two governments would need to meet two tests; compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights, and capable of securing the support of those most affected, especially the families of those killed.
“I believe that this framework, faithfully implemented, can deliver on those two goals. I am fully aware that winning the confidence of families will take time. Since the beginning of the year, I have listened to victims’ families and those working to support and represent them. For them, delivery is the real, and only, test. I believe that what we have agreed can deliver for families.
“The Joint Framework also places responsibilities on the Irish Government, in line with our commitments in the Programme for Government.
“We commit to facilitating the fullest possible cooperation with the reformed Legacy Commission. This includes the creation of a new dedicated Legacy Unit within An Garda Síochána. In the same spirit, and with the aim of ensuring the voices of victims and families remain central to legacy processes, we will make ring-fenced funding of €25 million available to support their participation and representation.
“Reciprocity is at the heart of this framework: the Irish Government will cooperate with the reformed Legacy Commission and we will receive similar cooperation from the British government on troubles-related inquiries, inquests and investigations in this jurisdiction.
“The next step is implementation and delivery for families. Too many families have waited for too long for truth and accountability.”
The announcement by Harris and Benn was welcomed by the U.S. Ambassadors to both Ireland and the UK, Edward Walsh and Warren A. Stephens respectively.
In a statement both stated: "We, the United States Ambassadors to the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, welcome the continued cooperation between the British and Irish governments represented by the announcement of the agreed framework on Troubles legacy issues in Northern Ireland.
"As co-guarantors of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, cooperation between the two governments has been a cornerstone of political stability in the region. We are encouraged that this spirit of cooperation has been extended to dealing with legacy issues.
"We acknowledge the importance of this collaboration and hope that these measures will continue to promote healing and reconciliation."
