Overview

• Tánaiste Simon Harris said a joint framework on legacy issues is "effectively there" after negotiations with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn.
• The UK plans to legislate to scrap conditional immunity, restore access to the civil courts, and restart some inquests where national security is not engaged.
• The ICRIR will be retained and reformed as the primary vehicle for investigations and information recovery, drawing criticism from unionists and some victims’ organisations.
• Harris stressed that any arrangement must comply with the European Convention on Human Rights and that victims and survivors should be given time to examine the proposals.
• Both governments will appoint an independent expert this month to assess prospects for paramilitary disbandment with a report due within 12 months, and Ireland may reconsider its interstate ECHR case if the final framework proves compliant.