Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 8 October 2024 to Question 5642 on Murder of Patrick Finucane Independent Inquiry, what his planned timetable is for publishing the inquiry's terms of reference.

I am keen that the Inquiry is able to begin its work without undue delay. The Inquiries Act 2005 sets out clear steps to follow in setting up an inquiry including the appointment of the Chair, agreement on the Terms of Reference, working through the necessary logistics such as facilities and services procurement, and setting up the Inquiry secretariat.

I will provide an update on the Terms of Reference once it has been agreed with the Chair.