Ireland and UK agree new legacy framework to replace controversial Troubles law

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and Tanaiste Simon Harris speak to media during a press conference at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) at Hillsborough Castle, Co Down. Picture date: Thursday April 24, 2025.
The Government has agreed on a new framework for legacy issues in Northern Ireland along with the UK government.
Tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris joined UK secretary of state for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn in Belfast today to publish a joint framework after months of intensive talks. The new plan will replace the controversial UK Legacy Act.
The framework will:
- Lift the ban on civil cases
- Restore inquests halted under the British Legacy Act
- Overhaul the independence and governance of the ICRIR, renaming it the Legacy Commission
- Create a statutory Independent Oversight Board, conflict-of-interest rules, a Victims and Survivors Advisory Group, and an independent panel to advise on senior appointments
- Ensure the Legacy Commission can conduct investigations, to UK-wide standards, capable of leading to prosecution
- Establish a new, judge-led inquisitorial system with public hearings and meaningful next-of-kin participation
- Reform disclosure rules on sensitive information by removing the Secretary of State’s power to direct the Legacy Commission
Speaking after the publication of the Joint Framework, the Tánaiste said: “The Joint Framework provides for sweeping reforms of the mechanisms designed to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and across this island.
"Agreement on the framework represents a welcome return to a partnership approach on Northern Ireland by the two governments. As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, that partnership is essential to progress peace and reconciliation on this island.
“The 2023 UK Legacy Act was unilaterally conceived, unilaterally drafted, and unilaterally implemented. Today is a step-change from that."

Mr Harris said the new framework will deliver "root-and-branch reform of the UK Legacy Act and the commission it established.”
He added that it offers "routes to truth and accountability for those most affected by the violence of the Troubles.”
“The Irish Government made clear from the outset that any agreed joint approach to legacy by the two governments would need to meet two tests; compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights, and capable of securing the support of those most affected, especially the families of those killed.
“I believe that this framework, faithfully implemented, can deliver on those two goals."
Mr Harris acknowledged that earning the trust of families will take time.
“Since the beginning of the year, I have listened to victims’ families and those working to support and represent them. For them, delivery is the real, and only, test.
“I believe that what we have agreed can deliver for families."
The framework also includes a new dedicated Legacy Unit within An Garda Síochána and €25m in ring-fenced funding to support families’ participation and representation.