Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery

Wednesday 22 November 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sir Declan Morgan commenced work as chief commissioner-designate in June, and Peter Sheridan is due to start in December.
  • The Secretary of State and Sir Declan have been in contact about a range of issues mainly through correspondence.
  • The Secretary of State meets all political parties and their leaders both in Northern Ireland and in the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ian Paisley Jnr DUP
Context

The MP inquires about the status of discussions with newly appointed members of a specific commission.

Question

What discussions he has had with the chief commissioner and the commissioner for investigations at the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery since their appointment.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Sir Declan Morgan commenced work in June as chief commissioner-designate, while Peter Sheridan is due to start in December. Formal appointments will take place once the commission is legally established. The Secretary of State and Sir Declan have been in contact about a range of issues mainly through correspondence.

Answered
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Q2 Ian Paisley Jnr DUP
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP questions the Secretary of State about his interactions with Sinn Féin regarding their boycott of Northern Ireland institutions and alleged crimes committed against Northern Ireland.

Question

I am sure that when those meetings finally take place, the Secretary of State will take the opportunity to raise the numerous crimes committed in the Republic of Ireland against Northern Ireland, and challenge them over state-sponsored terrorism there. In his dozens of meetings with Sinn Féin, can the Secretary of State explain if he has taken the opportunity to challenge Sinn Féin about its boycott of the institutions here? When will he ask Sinn Féin Members to come back here and do their job?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Secretary of State meets all political parties and their leaders both in Northern Ireland and here. The views of the Government about non-participation are well-known, but he must work with all parties and will continue to do so.

Not addressed: Details on challenging Sinn Féin over alleged crimes and their boycott were not provided.

How: Everyone Knows The Views Of This Government About People Who Do Not Turn Up And Take The Oath In This Place

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