Statement by Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, on the judgment in the UK Supreme Court in the Dillon Case

I note the judgment in the UK Supreme Court, and the commentary around it.

My thoughts are with Martina Dillon and all of the families affected by the UK Legacy Act and by this judgment. This has been a long and difficult process for the families involved, and it is important to remember that every legacy case centres on someone deeply loved and deeply missed.

We will continue to study the judgment carefully.

For my part, the key focus must be on continued delivery of the Joint Framework on legacy agreed between the two governments.

It represents the best opportunity for victims and their families to secure truth and accountability.

The Irish Government is pressing ahead with the implementation of our commitments.

I welcome the clear statement from the UK Government yesterday that the Troubles Bill, which will give effect to the UK commitments, is the only viable way forward.

That tallies with the commitment the Secretary of State gave me last week that he advance the Bill in the new parliamentary session.

It is essential that the two governments work together and keep victims and their families at the heart of that work.