House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Update on the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR)
17 April 2024 · Northern Ireland Office
Proposed by Chris Heaton-Harris Con Daventry
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will commence operations on May 1, 2024.
- The government will lay regulations to support the ICRIR's operational establishment, including handling of information and biometric material retention.
- Regulations will also address transitional arrangements for criminal investigations and decisions not to prosecute, in line with the Legacy Act.
Issue summary
The statement discusses the upcoming commencement of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) on May 1, 2024, as established by the Northern Ireland Troubles Act 2023.
Action requested
The government is laying regulations to support the operational establishment of the ICRIR, including provisions related to information handling, biometric material retention, and transitional arrangements for criminal investigations and decisions not to prosecute. These actions are part of the implementation of the Legacy Act to deliver better outcomes for victims and survivors.
Key facts
- The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 established the ICRIR.
- Operational functions of the ICRIR will commence on 1 May 2024.
- Regulations have been laid regarding information holding and handling by the ICRIR, in line with s.34 of the Act.
- Additional regulations for biometric material retention are to be laid shortly, as per s.35 of the Act.
- A second set of commencement regulations will be laid at the end of April 2024.