Submit Evidence (by 1 Jun 2026)

Reconciliation remains central to the vision of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, whose multi‑party negotiators affirmed that lasting peace in Northern Ireland depended not only on strong political structures but on honouring those who suffered “the tragedies of the past” by “dedicating ourselves to the achievement of reconciliation, tolerance, and mutual trust, and to the protection and vindication of the human rights of all. (The Belfast Agreement - GOV.UK, p.1)

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether his Department has been involved in discussions regarding the future ownership, management or financing of Northern Ireland public services or infrastructure by the Irish Government or its agencies.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Office has not participated in any discussions regarding the future ownership, management, or financing of Northern Ireland’s public services, including infrastructure by the Irish Government or any of its agencies.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to page four of the document entitled The Legacy of the Troubles: A Joint Framework between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland, published on 19 September 2025, what plans his Department has to consult with the public before delivering any statements of acknowledgement.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

The Joint Framework acknowledges the important role that statements of acknowledgement can play in addressing past harms and facilitating societal reconciliation, and states that the UK and Irish governments will take the lead in considering such statements. The Framework also highlights the importance of statements of acknowledgement being forthcoming from others.

The Government will engage widely with victims, survivors and others affected by the Troubles as we take forward this and our other commitments under the Framework.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many civil servants in their Department were found to have broken the Civil Service Code in (a) 2024 and (b) 2025.

Answered by Hilary Benn - Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

There were no civil servants in the Northern Ireland Office who were found to have broken the Civil Service Code in 2024 or 2025.

Civil Servants are appointed on merit on the basis of fair and open competition and are expected to carry out their role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the government of Northern Ireland has implemented legislation relating to Northern Ireland Troubles legacy since the publication of the Joint Framework in September 2025; and if so, what legislation.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

I have answered this question on the assumption that the Noble Lord is referring to the Government of Ireland.

The Joint Framework contains very clear and important commitments by the Irish Government. This includes the commitment to facilitate the fullest possible cooperation with the Legacy Commission, to establish a dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána for Troubles-related cases, and to investigate all unresolved Troubles-related incidents within its jurisdiction, and ensure that any potential investigative opportunities are proactively pursued.

The Irish Government Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, confirmed on 22 January 2026 that the dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána for Troubles-related cases (the Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit), has been established. An Garda Síochána has also issued a statement to provide contact details for the unit, which “will endeavour to answer questions that victims or family members may have in relation to An Garda Síochána Troubles-related investigations and will liaise with Divisional level investigators nationwide in respect of same. It is headed by a Detective Chief Superintendent, who reports into the Assistant Commissioner, Garda Crime & Security Intelligence Service”.

The Irish Government has also confirmed that work is underway on legislation to facilitate cooperation with the reformed Legacy Commission. On 9 March 2026, the Irish Justice Minister published a statement that confirmed that the Irish Government will bring forward legislative proposals in May to progress implementation of its commitments in the Joint Framework, “including the matters of cross-border co-operation and the establishment of the Independent Commission for Information Retrieval, formally approved by Government on 1 October 2025”.

Furthermore, the Irish Government has introduced the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026, which will enable the taking of oral testimony before the Irish courts for the purposes of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the government of Northern Ireland has ended legal against the UK over the Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy Act 2023.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

I have answered this question on the assumption that the Noble Lord is referring to the Government of Ireland.

Ireland v. the United Kingdom (III) at the European Court of Human Rights has not progressed beyond preliminary stages since it was lodged by Ireland in January 2024. On 2 July 2025, the United Kingdom received correspondence from the Court to confirm that it had adjourned its proceedings pending the final outcome of the ongoing domestic proceedings for judicial review in the case Dillon and Others, which is currently awaiting judgment by the United Kingdom Supreme Court.

The withdrawal of the case is a matter for the Irish Government. The UK Government is clear that the implementation of the Troubles Bill, which seeks to fulfil long standing commitments made by this Government, will mean that the basis for any interstate case will fall away.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of the Republic of Ireland about the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill since the publication of the Joint Framework in September 2025.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government meets regularly with the government of the Republic of Ireland to discuss the progress made in implementing the two Governments’ respective commitments set out in the Joint Framework.

Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the proposed legislative timetable for Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

Answered by Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will help victims and families to obtain the information and accountability they have long sought, whilst ensuring our veterans are treated with fairness and respect. The legislation will have its committee stage as soon as parliamentary time allows.

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