The Irish government has said it would not support any plan to give special treatment to “state or non-state actors” after the British government revealed proposals on how to deal with the past.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney was speaking after controversial plans were revealed by Secretary of State Brandon Lewis yesterday.
Relatives and campaigners believe there was state collusion with loyalists during the Troubles and that some killings carried out by the British army and RUC were part of a ‘shoot to kill’ policy.
In recent years legal multiple actions have been launched against the PSNI and the British army by the relatives of some people killed.
Mr Coveney last night said “There should be effective investigations into all Troubles-related deaths, regardless of the perpetrator.
“We would not support a proposal to introduce any special measure or treatment, regarding investigation of state or non-state actors in Northern Ireland,” he said.
Mr Coveney said added that the “rule of law and the protections afforded by the European Convention on Human Rights must apply equally to everyone and must be upheld” adding that this “principle is at the core of the Stormont House framework”.
“Victims and survivors have had to wait for far too long for a suitable and effective system in Northern Ireland to deal with the legacy of the Troubles,” he said.
Mr Coveney said he intends to speak to the Secretary of State “to discuss next steps”.
The blueprint has been met with anger by the loved ones of people killed.
Mark Thompson, CEO with Relatives for Justice said: “So-called investigations carried out by the British government to date have been perfunctory and lack compliance with the law.
"For victims of State violence and collusion there has never been a single legally compliant investigation.
“The assertion of continuous re-investigation is a fallacy.”
Mr Thompson accused the British government of being cynical.
“The sad reality of that is that this buys the British government more time as elderly relatives and others pass away,” he said.
“Bringing these measures forward in a time of global pandemic is beyond cynical and opportunistic, but in keeping with this government’s dismal track record on legacy and victims.
“Not only must justice be done; it must also be seen to be done.”
