Extension for NI bodies to complete Troubles-related reports
The UK government has granted a six-month extension to the time investigative organisations have to complete Troubles-related reports.
Under the controversial Legacy Act, bodies such as the PSNI and the Police Ombudsman's office had until the end of this month to publish final reports.
The British government was asked by several organisations for an extension. It has now granted that.
The timeframe for completion of any post-investigative tasks has been moved until 31 October.
"A transitional provision was made under the Act which specified that, where all that remains to be carried out by the investigating body is the preparation of the investigation report or something subsequent to that, it may carry out those post-investigative tasks until 30th April 2025," the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) said in a statement.
"The Government received requests from the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, KENOVA and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to extend that provision in order to allow remaining post-investigative tasks to be carried out.
"The government is committed to ensuring families receive information as soon as possible about what happened to their loved ones, so has agreed to extend the provision until 31st October 2025."
Northern Secretary Hiliary Benn has said the Labour government will replace the Legacy Act.
But he intends to hold onto the investigation and truth recovery body established by it.
Families say the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery also has to go.
Mr Benn says he will introduce primary legislation when parliamentary time allows which will strengthen the independence and accountability of the new body.
The Police Ombudsman's office welcomed the extension.
"This new timeframe will allow the Ombudsman to provide her conclusions on these investigations to affected families with a greater amount of time and space for them to consider and digest the findings, and to report publicly on remaining cases.
"May 1st 2024 is the date that all criminal investigations about Troubles-related offences ceased under the Legacy Act."
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