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4h ago

UK and Ireland Unveil Joint Troubles Legacy Framework to Replace 2023 Act

The plan replaces the 2023 law’s immunity model with ECHR‑oriented investigations requiring legislation in both jurisdictions.

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UK Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and Ireland's deputy prime minister Simon Harris announced the change
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Overview

  • The deal ends the Legacy Act’s immunity approach, allows paused inquests to restart, and lifts the bar on legacy civil actions.
  • The ICRIR will be rebuilt as a Legacy Commission with powers to investigate and refer cases for prosecution, with judge‑led public hearings involving families and new witness protections for veterans such as remote testimony.
  • A separate Independent Commission on Information Retrieval will run as a joint cross‑border pilot focused on truth recovery.
  • Implementation requires new laws at Westminster and in the Dáil, with Ireland pledging full cooperation, a Garda legacy unit, and a €25 million fund to support victims’ participation.
  • Dublin says it will revisit its interstate ECHR case if the plan proves rights‑compliant, while victims’ groups, the DUP, and Conservatives signal close scrutiny and political resistance.