PRESS RELEASE : Government tables amendments to Northern Ireland Troubles legacy legislation [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 17 January 2023.
The UK Government has today formally tabled amendments to legislation seeking to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The move comes ahead of the Committee Stage of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, scheduled to proceed in the House of Lords next week.
The legislation aims to deliver better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles, including victims, survivors and veterans, while helping society to look forward.
The Government amendments seek to address some of the principal concerns raised since the Bill’s introduction, including by victims and survivors.
The amendments will:
- Confirm that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery (ICRIR) established by the legislation will be able to conduct criminal investigations where it judges that to be appropriate.
- Ensure that individuals who knowingly or recklessly provide false information to the ICRIR can be prosecuted and have their immunity revoked.
- Disapply the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 so that individuals who choose not to tell the Commission what they know and are then convicted of an offence are liable to face a full, rather than reduced, sentence.
- Increase the financial penalty for non-compliance with the Commission.
- Strengthen the Commission’s independence by making clear that the Secretary of State should consult individuals before appointing the Chief Commissioner.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, said:
“These amendments reflect the extensive engagement that has taken place, and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to working with all interested parties regarding their concerns, and how these might be addressed.
“The Government remains absolutely committed to delivering better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles.”
