Minister Jim O’Callaghan and Secretary of State Hilary Benn discuss progress by both Governments to implement Joint Framework on Legacy

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan today met with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn in Dublin.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Ministers to discuss and update each other on the shared priorities of effective security cooperation, addressing the legacy of the Troubles and supporting the work of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister O’Callaghan said:

“Today’s meeting was part of my regular engagement with the Secretary of State on matters of shared interest. We had a very useful exchange on pertinent security issues and agreed that there is excellent cooperation between the authorities North and South on targeting terrorist and criminal activities on the island.

“We are of the same mind on the opportunity that the Joint Framework provides to deliver truth and accountability to the survivors and families of the victims of Troubles-related incidents. I highlighted to the Secretary of State that faithful implementation of the Joint Framework by both governments will provide the basis for An Garda Síochána, to cooperate with the Legacy Commission, once established.

“I updated the Secretary of State on the steps taken by the Government so far, noting that we have given effect to the first of our commitments under the Joint Framework with the establishment of the Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit, which the Garda Commissioner and I formally launched in January.

“We both noted further progress in the implementation of the legislation necessary to give effect to the Joint Framework and the Secretary of State updated me on the passage of the Troubles Bill through the UK Parliament. I reiterated my commitment to the Secretary of State to bring legislative proposals to Cabinet for consideration in April or May this year.

“I took the opportunity to underline again to the Secretary of State that successive Irish Governments have put in place bespoke mechanisms to assist UK legacy processes, such as with inquests and with Operation Kenova. This continues through our ongoing cooperation with the Omagh Bombing Inquiry. I informed the Secretary of State of my intention to bring forward a Bill in the coming weeks to facilitate the taking of oral testimony in the State for the purposes of the Inquiry.

“This record of cooperation with UK legacy processes can be taken as a clear signal of the Government’s intent to continue to address the legacy of the past on the island.

“Regarding Kenova, we both agreed that the publication of its final report had shown the need for engagement with the new legacy processes to go beyond the two governments and encompass all those involved in the conflict.”

The Ministers agreed to remain in close contact, noting the upcoming Ireland - UK Summit to take place in Cork next month and the meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Hillsborough in April.

ENDS