Northern Ireland

Arlene Foster and Michelle ONeill's lack of NIO legacy engagement branded an 'embarrassment'

Michelle O'Neill and Arlene Foster did not make a joint representation to the NIO in an effort to secure legacy funding. picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Michelle O'Neill and Arlene Foster did not make a joint representation to the NIO in an effort to secure legacy funding. picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire Michelle O'Neill and Arlene Foster did not make a joint representation to the NIO in an effort to secure legacy funding. picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

CONFIRMTION that Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill together failed to engage with the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) to press the British government to deliver legacy funding has been described as an "embarrassment".

The chair of Stormont's Executive Office scrutiny committee received written confirmation this week that the first and deputy first ministers did not make a joint representation to the NIO in an effort to secure funding for elements of the Stormont House Agreement and New Decade New Approach.

Colin McGrath said the joint leaders were "ducking their responsibility to advance legacy commitments".

He said last year's agreement, which saw the devolved institutions restored, contained "clear obligations in relation to the legacy of the past", including a commitment that within 100 days, the British government would legislate to implement the Stormont House Agreement legacy structures.

He said 500 days had now passed since the deal was struck and that the British government’s approach to dealing with the past has "diverged significantly from the agreement".

"In those circumstances, it is astounding that the joint first ministers have not held a solitary engagement together with the Northern Ireland Office about legacy funding obligations in NDNA," the South Down MLA said.

"It is, frankly, an embarrassment to their office and an affront to victims and survivors who are being forced to campaign for the truth about what happened to their loved ones long after they were promised a process to support them."

Mr McGrath said dealing with the past was "not straightforward".

"But there is an obligation on those who hold the highest joint office in the executive to work together in the interests of victims and survivors," he said.

The Executive Office did not comment.