While the Fresh Start agreement failed to achieve an agreed mechanism on dealing with the past, mainly due to the British government's insistence on a national security veto, it is clear branches of the justice system are aiming to make progress on a number of controversial killings.
This week we have seen the judiciary try to break the logjam which has stalled inquests in relation to 56 cases involving 95 deaths.
These much delayed inquests include killings carried out by paramilitaries and the security forces and some are being heard for the first time or reheard after referrals by the Attorney General John Larkin.
During his review of cases, Lord Justice Weir has sent out the message that there must be no further delays while the Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan will meet with victims' families next month to seek their views.
These are positive steps which hopefully will finally allow these legacy cases to be fully examined in court.
Another significant development this week was the announcement of a review of the decision not to prosecute a British soldier who shot dead Aidan McAnespie as he walked through an army checkpoint near Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone in 1988.
The 23-year-old, who had repeatedly complained of harassment and threats from soldiers, was hit in the back as he made his way to Aghaloo's GAC field.
Grenadier Guardsman David Holden, who said the shots were fired after a general purpose machine gun had slipped from his wet hands, was initially charged with manslaughter but the charges were dropped.
He was later fined for negligent discharge of a weapon and given a medical discharge from the army.
However, in 2008 the Historical Enquiries Team cast serious doubt over the soldier's account saying it was the ``least likely'' version of events.
In 2009, then Secretary of State Shaun Woodward expressed `deep regret' at Mr McAnespie's death and acknowledged the suffering of his family.
There is no doubt this was a deeply troubling incident which caused profound and understandable disquiet.
The fact that the matter has now gone back to the Public Prosecution Service, following a referral by the Attorney General, is a welcome development.
Families in legacy cases have waited many years - decades even - to have the full circumstances of a loved one's death properly examined and revealed.
The PSNI, Ministry of Defence and all other relevant agencies must ensure full disclosure of information and finally provide the answers relatives deserve.
