Debates between Jeff Smith and Karin Smyth during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jeff Smith and Karin Smyth
Wednesday 28th February 2024

(9 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeff Smith Portrait Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)
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1. What his Department’s planned timetable is for when the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery will be operational.

Karin Smyth Portrait Karin Smyth (Bristol South) (Lab)
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7. What progress his Department has made on implementing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

Chris Heaton-Harris Portrait The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Chris Heaton-Harris)
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I start by welcoming the return of the devolved institutions to Northern Ireland, following the publication of the “Safeguarding the Union” Command Paper earlier this month and the Windsor framework, which was agreed exactly a year ago yesterday. Let me also take this opportunity to mention that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland will celebrate their 25th anniversaries on Friday.

The Government are doing all that we can to support the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery in delivering effectively for victims and families. Significant progress has been made since the ICRIR was established in December last year, and I expect the commission’s doors to open on 1 May.