NI Justice Minister, police chiefs and former NI Lord Chief Justice questioned on Troubles Legacy proposals 

20 June 2022

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee continues its scrutiny of the Government’s NI Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill with two evidence sessions on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 of June.

Witnesses

Tuesday 21 June 2022

At 9.00am 

Jon Boutcher, Head of Operation Kenova
Mark Hamilton, Deputy Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland

At 10.30am

Naomi Long MLA, Justice Minister, Northern Ireland Office

Witnesses

Wednesday 22 June 2022

At 2.30pm

Sir Declan Morgan, former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland
Barra McGrory, former Northern Ireland Director of Public Prosecutions

If enacted, the Bill would give immunity from prosecution to those involved in Troubles-related incidents on the condition of full cooperation with a new information gathering body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

During the 21 June session, witnesses will be asked whether the proposals represent an improvement on current arrangements for investigating Troubles-related incidents, and on the proposal for ending criminal investigations other than through ICRIR reviews. There will also be questions on whether the ICRIR will have sufficient investigatory powers to review historical deaths, and on proposals that complaints about police conduct are no longer investigated by police or the Department of Justice.

The following day, the cross-party Committee will question Sir Declan and Mr McGrory on the implications of the Bill for the justice system in NI. They will be questioned on the effect that closing all pending Troubles-related criminal investigations could have on justice, and will be asked to consider the impact on victims and others of ending many Troubles-related civil claims and inquests.

Further information

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