Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2024-02-28
2024-02-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the implementation of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act, which aims to address legacy issues from the conflict.
What progress has been made on implementing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023?
The Government are supporting the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery in delivering effectively for victims and families. The commission was established in December last year, and its doors will open on 1 May.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps towards implementation were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The High Court ruled this morning regarding the legitimacy of seeking justice for crimes committed during the troubles.
Does the Secretary of State still think that after 1 May, citizens in Northern Ireland should be denied the right to seek justice through civil cases and inquests?
The judgment will take time to consider carefully. We remain committed to implementing the legacy Act.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific implications of the ruling were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns exist about the 1 May deadline imposed by the Government, impacting the ability of inquests to conclude.
What steps are being taken to ensure that inquests can conclude by the self-imposed deadline?
The Government continue to assist Northern Ireland courts on legacy matters. The Act allows a coroner to request a review of a death by the independent commission if an inquest has not concluded via the coronial process by 1 May.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures facilitating deadlines were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The High Court found that the Act's immunity provisions are not compliant with articles 2 and 3 of the European convention.
What do Ministers intend to do about the judgment, given its implications for the Act?
This is a complex case that will likely head to higher courts. We remain committed to implementing the legacy Act.
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Assessment & feedback
Implications of the judgment were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
There is uncertainty about the impact of the High Court ruling on future actions under the Act.
Will the deadline be extended to ensure inquests that would otherwise stop can continue?
The judgment will take time to consider carefully. We remain committed to implementing the legacy Act, including delivering the ICRIR.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific consideration of deadline extension was not addressed.
Response accuracy