What do the new Northern Ireland Troubles legacy proposals entail?

"New measures aimed at healing the wounds on all sides of the Northern Ireland Troubles have been unveiled by the British and Irish governments. They will replace the controversial Legacy Act brought in by the Conservatives that cancelled inquests and prosecutions. Diplomats say it is the result of a year long return to partnership of both governments in conjunction with the Northern Ireland government."

"Inquests that had started but were frozen by the Legacy Act will resume. The current independent commission for reconciliation and information recovery (ICRIR) will be replaced with two new bodies - one dealing with investigations, and another dealing with information recovery. Public hearings, akin to public inquiries, involving families and witness will be facilitated and overseen by independent judges. Conditional immunity for soldiers or agents of the state"

"What are veterans saying? Lord Dannatt told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday it was unacceptable that 30, 40, 50 years later former soldiers in their 60s, 70s, and possibly their 80s, are being taken back to events that happened in the 70s. He said it defied logic that evidence that could not be adduced back then could be produced now."

British and Irish governments have agreed measures to address legacy issues from the Northern Ireland Troubles, replacing the Legacy Act that cancelled inquests and prosecutions. Inquests that were frozen will resume. The independent commission for reconciliation and information recovery (ICRIR) will be replaced by two separate bodies: one for investigations and one for information recovery. Public hearings resembling public inquiries will be facilitated and overseen by independent judges. Conditional immunity for soldiers or state agents and the ban on civil actions by victims will be lifted. The Gardaí will establish a legacy unit and a £25m fund will support witnesses through legal processes. Reactions include praise from Ireland's deputy prime minister and concern from veterans about reopening decades-old cases.

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