Statement by the Tánaiste on British Government commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act

The Tánaiste has welcomed the statement made by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP providing further detail on how the British Government will take forward its manifesto commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act.

“Having discussed this issue with Hilary Benn on his first day in office, I am glad to see the work of replacing the Legacy Act is progressing – I have been clear since day one on the grave issues with the Act as it now stands, in particular the fundamental question of its compliance with the European Convention of Human Rights and the failure to command the support of victims.

“I welcome his commitment to establishing legacy mechanisms which command the confidence of communities and of victims and survivors. The Secretary of State’s intention to reverse the current prohibition on new civil proceedings, and to propose measures to allow inquests previously halted to proceed is also welcome.

“We will study the statement made by the British Government today and continue our close engagement with them on the detail of this vitally important issue. We owe it to victims, survivors and their loved ones to get this right. As we take this work forward, the needs of victims and the obligation to ensure a framework compatible with the European Convention of Human Rights, will remain central to this Government’s approach.”