UK and Irish governments ‘close’ to new Troubles agreement

The UK and Irish governments are “close” to a new agreement on dealing with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles, a committee of MPs has been told.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said Dublin’s support will be “a very significant and beneficial step”.

The Irish government, along with all of Northern Ireland’s political parties and victims’ groups, oppose the existing UK Legacy Act. A replacement act is in the process of being drafted.

Appearing before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday, Benn did not indicate when a deal might be announced.

Several ICRIR employees are former Royal Ulster Constabulary officers, including its lead investigator, Peter Sheridan.

Recently, Alyson Kilpatrick, the head of the NI Human Rights Commission, questioned his independence and believed his position is “untenable”.

Benn told the committee: “Lots of people say lots of things.

“They are not things I have said. I have confidence in the leadership of the commission.

“I don’t think it helps to attack people.”

The government has pledged to reinstate troubles related inquests which failed to complete by a deadline imposed by the Legacy Act.

But this might be confined to a minority – only those which had previously opened.

Mr Benn also said former soldiers could be excused from attending any resumed inquests in person and be able to provide evidence remotely.

“With modern technology, there’s no reason why veterans should have to travel to Northern Ireland to answer questions,” he said.