Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, If he will have discussions with the Government of the Irish Republic on potential entitlement of victims of violence from Northern Ireland to compensation from that State as a result of collusion between illegal paramilitary groups and the legitimate forces of the Irish Republic.

It is clear that the participation of both the UK and Irish governments in legacy processes is vital if we are to achieve better outcomes for victims and survivors.

That is why the Joint Framework agreed between the UK and Irish governments in September 2025 includes significant commitments by the Irish Government, specifically the fullest possible cooperation with the Legacy Commission, the establishment of a dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána as a single point of contact for cross-border cooperation on Troubles related cases, and a financial contribution of €25 million.

In the UK, the Troubles Permanent Disablement Scheme provides payments for permanently injured victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Victims and survivors have also been able to obtain financial redress through civil proceedings - something that the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 sought to prevent, and which the Troubles Bill will reinstate.

The entitlement to compensation from the Irish Government for victims and survivors of alleged state collusion by the Irish authorities is a matter for the Irish Government. The UK Government will always support the right of victims of the Troubles to seek redress, including in the event that there is evidence of collusion by the Irish authorities.