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Murder

Concerns Over New Legacy Commission's Ability to Probe IRA Activities in Ireland

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The establishment of the new Legacy Commission to investigate the Troubles has sparked concerns among unionists that it may not be able to effectively probe IRA activities in Ireland, given the republic's track record of not fully cooperating in investigations. The commission is set to replace the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information (ICRIR), which drew criticism for its inability to investigate collusion allegations and potential immunity for terrorists.

The concerns center around the Irish government's refusal to hold a parallel inquest into the Omagh Bomb, which was built and delivered from the south, while the Northern Ireland side of the atrocity is examined in ongoing hearings in NI. Additionally, victims groups have expressed frustration with the Irish Department of Justice's lack of engagement in Northern Ireland victims' cases, and the Irish police watchdog's claim that it is barred from investigating legacy cases.

UUP Justice Spokesman Doug Beattie has spoken out against the new commission, stating that it may be hindered by a de facto amnesty for IRA murders carried out in the republic, as revealed by former Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell. Beattie has also questioned whether the new commission will have the necessary powers to investigate terrorism in its own jurisdiction, and asked if those who were kidnapped and murdered in the Irish Republic will receive article 2 investigations.

Director of victims group SEFF, Kenny Donaldson, has also expressed concerns about the new commission, listing seven key areas of concern including the role of the Irish government, the need for robust legislation, and the necessity of a victim-centered approach. Donaldson said that the commission must deliver tangible outcomes and not be motivated by the protection of particular interest groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new Legacy Commission may not be able to effectively probe IRA activities in Ireland due to the republic's track record of not fully cooperating in investigations.
  • The Irish government's refusal to hold a parallel inquest into the Omagh Bomb has been a contentious issue.
  • Victims groups have expressed frustration with the Irish Department of Justice's lack of engagement in Northern Ireland victims' cases.
  • The new commission may be hindered by a de facto amnesty for IRA murders carried out in the republic.
  • UUP Justice Spokesman Doug Beattie has questioned the commission's ability to investigate terrorism in its own jurisdiction.
  • Director of victims group SEFF, Kenny Donaldson, has listed seven key areas of concern for the new commission, including its role, legislation, and victim-centered approach.
  • The commission must deliver tangible outcomes and not be motivated by the protection of particular interest groups.

Statistics:

  • Over 10 years, the Irish Department of Justice has refused any meaningful engagement with Northern Ireland victims.
  • The Irish police watchdog claims it is barred from investigating legacy cases.
  • 1998-2006: Sinn Féin incessantly demanded immunity from criminal prosecution for IRA members.
  • 2021: The Seanad condemned UK proposals for a Troubles amnesty.
  • 2021: Former Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell revealed that the Irish government had put in place an amnesty against investigating IRA murders.
  • 1 in 5 victims of the Troubles were murdered in the Irish Republic.

Sources:

  • UUP: https://www.uup.org/dublin_must_clarify_mcdowell_comments_regarding_ira_amnesty_empey
  • news_letter: https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/troubles/assembly-to-debate-dublins-failure-to-address-claims-of-ira-collusion-3396100
  • PRESS ADVISORY: https://www.uup.org/Secretary%20of%20State%20and%20Taoiseach%20to%20unveil%20new%20joint%20north-south%20Legacy%20Commission%20-%20UUP%20northern%20ireland%20
  • https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmZiOTk3YmM3LTA2MWYtNGVmMi1iZGVjLWJlYTExNDRkYWViMjo3MjU3MTAxMC0xYjU5LTRmODctYjVkYy01MmI2Y2ZiN2UxZGQ=.jpg
  • https://imagestore.jpimedia.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjM1YWFlZTI0LTIzZTEtNGU4Zi1hZjYyLTYxYmVhODhiZTA0NDpjYjM4OWQyZC02M2Q5LTQ0NTEtOTVhZi0zNGQxYTc2MzJkZjY=.jpg

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