Minister Jim O’Callaghan welcomes the establishment of the Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit
- Published on: 23 January 2026
- Last updated on: 23 January 2026
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs & Migration Jim O’Callaghan has today welcomed the establishment of the Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit.
The Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit delivers on a significant commitment under the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles announced by the Irish and British Governments on 19 September 2025.
The Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit acts as a single point of contact for co-operation with the UK authorities on Troubles-related legacy cases. It will also serve as a central point of contact and co-ordination for victims and families in relation to Troubles-related investigations undertaken by An Garda Síochána.
The new unit will endeavour to answer questions from victims and families regarding Troubles-related investigations by An Garda Síochána and provide family reports where possible.
Speaking today, Minister Jim O’Callaghan said:
“The establishment of the Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit is a significant milestone in the implementation of the Joint Framework. It is also a further step in giving effect to the Programme for Government commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction.
“Policing has evolved hugely in recent decades towards a more victim-centred approach. The establishment of this unit will provide a readily accessible point of contact for survivors and victims’ families in seeking answers to their questions as they relate to An Garda Síochána.
“Reciprocal cooperation is at the heart of the Joint Framework and it is my hope that engagement by the authorities on both sides of the border under the Framework will assist families in their pursuit of truth, accountability and, where possible, justice.
“I have heard from victims and families in Troubles-related cases that many feel that time is running out for them, so I want to thank the Garda Commissioner for moving quickly to establish this new unit.”
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said:
“The Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit will give the victims and families involved in Troubles-related investigations a point of access for information about their cases and a place to direct their queries.
“It will also act as a single point of contact for co-operation with UK authorities on Troubles-related cases.
“The aim is that the unit will make the journey of navigating Troubles-related cases easier for the victims and families involved, while also supporting the wider work being conducted in securing truth, accountability and, where possible, justice.”
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Notes for editors
The new Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit arises from the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles, which was announced on 19 September 2025 by Tánaiste and then Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn and formally approved by Government on 1 October 2025.
The Unit’s full operation in line with what is envisaged in the Joint Framework will depend on the progress made by the UK Government in enacting the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and the reformed Legacy Commission becoming fully operational.
An Garda Síochána will continue to investigate all unresolved Troubles-related incidents within its jurisdiction and ensure that any potential investigative opportunities are proactively pursued. The investigation of such cases will continue to be undertaken by the relevant Garda Division in which the incident occurred with the support of national units as required. The Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit will liaise with Divisional level investigators nationwide in respect of those investigations.
The Unit’s contact details are as follows:
- Phone: 01 - 6661322 (dedicated to calls from the public, with voicemail facility)
- Email: Troubleslegacyliaisonunit@garda.ie
- Address: Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit, Walter Scott House, Military Road, Dublin 8, D08 HE2P