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.

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.