ICRIR failed and discredited, says Michelle O’Neill

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is a “failed and discredited body”, the First Minister has said.

Michelle O’Neill said the ICRIR “does not command the confidence of victims and survivors” and criticised the Government for failures on building reconciliation and fairness.

Her comments came days after an independent report described a “toxic” and “divided” working culture inside the body tasked with investigating unresolved Troubles cases.

Speaking at the Balmoral Show, Ms O’Neill said the ICRIR had been a “real missed opportunity” and added: “This was finally a chance to actually find a way to allow families and victims to be able to move forward, to find a way to deal with the legacy of the past.

Ms O’Neill: “That really saddens me, because I really want to unburden families of the legacy of the past and find a way to give them some comfort in fighting truth and justice.

“I want that for everybody, and I want us to build a society that’s based on reconciliation and fairness and inclusion – and unfortunately, I think the British Government have failed at this.”

She said confidence in the ICRIR was “damaged from day one” as she accused the Government of having “railroaded” its establishment without it having “confidence and support”.

A Supreme Court ruling found that parts of the law which established the ICRIR and ended police investigations and inquests related to the Troubles did not diminish victims’ rights.

In reference to the decision, as well as the recent review of the ICRIR, Ms O’Neill said: “In its early days, it’s already been called out for all the failings that it has – and then on top of that, the recent Supreme Court ruling.

“I just think that this is a real let down for families, and I think they’ll be very despondent and disheartened, because for once and for all, I thought we could get to a juncture where perhaps we actually had a way forward that allowed families to get access to truth and justice.

“That doesn’t appear to be the case now.”

A Government spokesperson said: “The ICRIR was established under the last government’s Legacy Act.

“Through the Troubles Bill, this Government is fundamentally reforming the ICRIR – which will become the Legacy Commission – to strengthen its governance, enhance its investigative capabilities and ensure it is capable of commanding support across all communities.

“As the Bill progresses, the commission will continue its vital work to help families to find the answers they have long been searching for.”