The Northern Ireland Secretary has acknowledged the skepticism surrounding the newly established Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Many families affected by the Troubles remain wary of its effectiveness in addressing long-standing grievances.Hilary benn,the Secretary,emphasized the need for legislative reforms to build trust among bereaved relatives.
The ICRIR, created under the contentious Legacy Act, has faced criticism for its limited powers and perceived lack of independence. Last year, the Belfast Court of Appeal ruled that a UK government veto over sensitive material disclosures violated human rights laws. The court also found that victims and their families were not adequately included in the commission’s processes.
Despite these challenges, Benn remains committed to improving the commission. In a recent statement, he wrote, “Everybody I have spoken to agrees that there needs to be a means of conducting investigations and of recovering information. And we do now have,for the first time,an independent judge-led commission,responsible for doing both these things.”
He further acknowledged the skepticism stemming from the Legacy Act’s origins but stressed the commission’s potential. “I know that reforms will be needed to secure the confidence of families. But a growing number of requests for investigations and information are now being made to the commission, over 120 at the last count,” Benn noted.
The commission’s ability to act swiftly is one of its key strengths. Benn explained, “The commission also has full police powers to help find answers without the long years of waiting that are often involved with public inquiries.” This efficiency is crucial for families like those of sean Brown, a GAA official murdered in 1997, whose inquest was halted by the legacy Act.
Benn’s proposed reforms aim to empower the commission further. “The legislation I will propose will ensure that the commission is, in specific circumstances, able to hold public hearings, take sworn evidence from individuals, and ensure families have effective representation,” he said.
The complexity of addressing Northern Ireland’s troubled past cannot be overstated. Benn stressed the importance of unity, stating, “I am determined, with the help of all interested parties, including the Irish government, to achieve this. Nothing will ever ease the pain that so many families endure to this day. But we must do all we can to help society in Northern ireland, which has come such a long way since 1998, to finally begin to heal the terrible wounds of the past and look to a better future together.”
Recent developments include the UK government’s appeal against a judge’s order to establish a public inquiry into Sean Brown’s murder. Benn believes the ICRIR is better suited to handle the case. As Northern Ireland continues to grapple with its legacy of conflict, the commission’s success will depend on its ability to earn the trust of those it seeks to serve.
