RELATIVES of people killed in controversial circumstances during the Troubles have welcomed the release of £55m to fund more than 50 legacy inquests.
The Department of Justice announced yesterday that the cash will be made available to hold inquests into the deaths of 93 people killed over four decades.
Many of the cases centre on killings carried out by the members of the security forces and include allegations of shoot-to-kill and collusion.
In 2016 the north’s most senior judge Lord Chief Justice Declan Morgan drew up a plan to deal with outstanding inquests, including a proposal to set up a Legacy Inquest Unit.
Details of the plan emerged after a major review of legacy cases was carried out by the now retired Lord Justice Reg Weir in 2016.
The British government had previously said funding would not be released until agreement is reached on all legacy issues.
It also said it had not received a request "for funding for this in terms of the executive".
Read more:
- These are the 93 people whose deaths will now be examined
- Analysis: Legacy cash too late for some (premium)
The Conservative government has a supply and confidence agreement with the DUP - which in the past has failed to request inquest cash.
Following a judicial review in Belfast last year judge Sir Paul Girvan said former DUP First Minister Arlene Foster's decision not to consider bidding was flawed and unlawful.
The release of the legacy cash is part of a £140m budget windfall for the north announced by Secretary of State Karen Bradley yesterday.
The Irish News reported on Tuesday that the Department of Finance approved a business case for legacy inquest funding last October.
The new business case came after the High Court ruled that legacy inquests should not be dependent on securing agreement on wider legacy issues.
The judicial review was taken by Brigid Hughes, whose civilian husband Anthony was shot dead by the SAS at Loughgall, in Co Armagh, in May 1987.
Eight IRA men were also killed during the ambush.
She challenged the delay in providing funding, which she said was a breach of her human rights.
Mrs Hughes last night welcomed the announcement.
"We are delighted after nearly a year of our judgment, that the money has eventually been released,” she said.
“It has been a deeply frustrating process for us in which we have been forced to take Court proceedings, make representations to the Committee of Ministers and to subsequently initiate contempt of court proceedings, to get to this point.
“We now look forward to the hearing of our inquest so that we can finally get to the truth of the events at Loughgall that day."
Her solicitor Darragh Mackin, of Phoenix Law, said: “It has been a long road, but now families can look forward to an inquest in a timely manner, and to which provides the vehicle for upholding their human rights.”
Brian Bradley, whose brother Francis was shot dead by the SAS near Castledawson in Co Derry in February 1986, also welcomed the release of cash.
Mr Bradley's name was later added to the IRA's roll of honour.
“My parents are getting older,” he said.
“He had an inquest and it was not a fair inquest.
“This is our second chance and we want it going as soon as possible.”
Lord Chief Justice Declan Morgan said he will engage with relevant agencies to ensure “that the outstanding inquests can be completed within a five year period once the unit has been established”.
“While the preparations for the Legacy Inquest Unit are ongoing, I expect that there will be a further Judge-led review to follow up on the work undertaken by Lord Justice Weir when he carried out a comprehensive review of these cases in February 2016,” he said.
“We anticipate this review will be completed before the summer recess.”
Former justice minister David Ford welcomed the allocation of cash.
“The previous blocking of the additional funding was contrary to the interests of justice,” he said.
“I regret it has taken three years to eventually get the process moving but I hope grieving families will now finally benefit.”
Relatives for Justice spokesman Mike Ritchie said: “The inordinate delay has only served to exacerbate the trauma and grief of bereaved families in addition to denying them fundamental rights under the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights).
SDLP Policing and justice spokeswoman Dolores Kelly said: “It is incumbent that the PSNI and Ministry of Defence co-operate fully with the Lord Chief Justice to ensure full disclosure and access to truth is not inhibited in any way.
Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O’Neill said: “The Lord Chief Justice has also requested full co-operation and disclosure from the PSNI and the British Ministry of Defence for legacy inquests and there is an onus on the British government to meet their responsibilities to the judicial process.”
Read more:
- These are the 93 people whose deaths will now be examined
- Analysis: Legacy cash too late for some (premium)
