The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) commenced its work in May 2024 under the last government’s Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. Since then, under the leadership of Sir Declan Morgan, the ICRIR has worked hard to build trust so that it can start delivering answers for victims and families. More than 270 cases have already been referred to the ICRIR, with more than 100 active investigations underway.

This Government has been clear from the beginning that we are committed to the fundamental reform of the ICRIR, which will become the Legacy Commission. The Troubles Bill will significantly reform the governance of the ICRIR to build wider confidence in its vital work.

Following a number of concerns about corporate effectiveness and culture raised directly with the Northern Ireland Office, Peter May was jointly commissioned by the NIO and the ICRIR Board to deliver a review of the corporate effectiveness and cultural health of the ICRIR. I am grateful to him for this work. His findings, submitted to me at the end of February, identified that the organisation is facing a number of problems resulting, in his view, from a combination of the 2023 Legacy Act itself, internal governance shortcomings and the culture of the organisation at senior levels.

Since receiving the findings I have met each of the Commissioners individually to seek their response. I have established a joint ICRIR-NIO oversight committee to ensure that the review’s recommendations are addressed. I have also provided additional dedicated sponsorship resource to support the organisation.

I now plan to commission a Section 36 review of ICRIR and its performance of its statutory functions. As set out in the 2023 Legacy Act, this must be completed no later than 30th April 2027. I will make a further statement in due course following the appointment of a Chair and publication of its Terms of Reference.

Many of ICRIR’s dedicated staff participated in the review by Peter May. They did so on an understanding of anonymity. It is right, therefore, that we ensure that the correct processes are being followed, and that the findings are shared by ICRIR with their staff in the first instance. Once this has been done, I will place these findings in the Library of the House, along with our response and joint action plan.

It is vital that the Commission’s important work continues on behalf of victims, survivors and their families, as they seek to find answers after so many years. The internal challenges faced by ICRIR as a new public organisation tasked with a complex statutory role must not detract from this. I will do everything I can, including through the important reforms set out in the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, to ensure ICRIR is appropriately supported to deliver for those families.

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