The Government's new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland: MPs to question Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will question the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery’s Chief Commissioner Sir Declan Morgan and other senior ICRIR officials as part of the inquiry examining the Government's new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland.
Meeting details
MPs have been taking evidence on what a reformed ICRIR should look like, following the Government’s announcement before Christmas of its intention to begin formally repealing the 2023 Legacy Act. While intending to retain the commission, the Government has pledged to reform and strengthen its independence, powers and accountability.
The session will be a chance for MPs to explore with ICRIR the views heard so far in the inquiry and what can be done to ensure it has the confidence and trust of all communities in Northern Ireland.
There are likely to be questions on ICRIR’s investigation policies and processes, information disclosure and its role in relation to inquests. Witnesses could also be asked about ICRIR’s independence, reconciliation and recording the past, and how the UK should work with the Republic of Ireland on legacy issues.
The Committee has previously taken evidence from a panel that included Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Alyson Kilpatrick, and has heard the perspectives of organisations that represent and support victims, survivors and their families.
Last month the inquiry took evidence from witnesses including Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and Operation Kenova Lead Officer Sir Iain Livingstone to explore the perspective of those involved in policing. The most recent evidence session explored the views of veterans, former police officers and the Ulster Human Rights Watch.