Garda liaison unit for Troubles cases criticised by TUV’s Allister
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association
The Justice Minister and the head of the Irish policy service have welcomed the establishment of a dedicated unit for handling Troubles-related legacy cases.
The Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit was established as part of a joint framework on the Troubles announced by the British and Irish governments in September.
It is designed to act as a single point of contact for UK authorities seeking co-operation on cases, as well as a source for victims and families to inquire about Troubles-related investigations by An Garda Síochána.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the unit was part of the Irish Government’s commitment to “play our full part in legacy processes” and “address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction”.
He added: “Reciprocal co-operation is at the heart of the joint framework and it is my hope that engagement by the authorities on both sides of the border under the framework will assist families in their pursuit of truth, accountability and, where possible, justice.
“I have heard from victims and families in Troubles-related cases that many feel that time is running out for them, so I want to thank the Garda Commissioner for moving quickly to establish this new unit.”
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said: “The aim is that the unit will make the journey of navigating Troubles-related cases easier for the victims and families involved, while also supporting the wider work being conducted in securing truth, accountability and, where possible, justice.”
However, TUV leader and MP Jim Allister described the unit as a “whitewash” of the Republic of Ireland’s role in the Troubles.
He said: “The announcement of a ‘Legacy Liaison Unit’ by the Garda is a gross insult to the countless innocent victims across Northern Ireland because of the fact that the Irish Republic acted as a safe haven from which terrorists could launch attacks at will.”
The Department of Justice said the unit will “endeavour to answer questions from victims” and provide family reports “where possible”.
Mr Allister said this wording falls short of a commitment to pursue justice or “open garda files to examine alleged collusion”.
He said: “What a contrast with the legacy mechanisms being set up by the UK hovernment, which have been changed specifically because of Dublin’s demands.
“It is an indictment of our own government that they are keen to bow to Irish pressure when the arrangements in the south are so derisory.
“In the Irish Republic there is to be no truth, no justice and no reckoning – merely a cosmetic exercise designed to manage victims’ expectations while protecting the state from scrutiny.”
The investigation of Troubles-related incidents within the State will continue to be undertaken by the relevant Garda division, in consultation with the new liaison unit.
The Department of Justice said the work of the liaison unit will depend on the progress made by the UK government in enacting the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill and the full operation of the reformed Legacy Commission.
