Legacy Bill Receives Royal Assent

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act has reached the last stage of its path to being enacted, having officially received Royal Assent.

Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, welcomed the significant milestone, as he said the Bill addresses one of the key issues left since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Heaton-Harris said: "Royal Assent of the Northern Ireland (Troubles & Reconciliation) Act marks a significant milestone as the Government aims to deliver on our pledge to deliver better outcomes for those most affected by the Troubles, while helping society to look forward.

"I recognise getting to this juncture has been a hugely difficult task for all. The legislation contains finely balanced political and moral choices.

"It presents us all with a real opportunity to deliver greater information, accountability and acknowledgement to victims and families, moving away from established mechanisms that have left far too many empty-handed. I am confident that this Act provides a framework to enable the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) that it establishes to deliver effective legacy mechanisms, while complying with our international obligations."

Sir Declan Morgan KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner to deliver the mechanisms of the Bill. He will be supported by Peter Sheridan as Commissioner for Investigations.

Mr Heaton-Harris continued: "If we are truly to provide greater information, accountability and acknowledgement to victims and families of the Troubles and help society to move forward in the spirit of reconciliation, we must build a legacy process founded on integrity, expertise and fairness.

"Now that the legislation has become law, the UK Government will do all it can to support the ICRIR, consistent with its operational independence, as it establishes itself and seeks to deliver effectively for victims and families. I hope that others, including the Irish Government, can do the same."