Enhanced Inquisitorial Proceedings: A brief explanation

From 1 May 2024, the ICRIR, known as ‘the Commission’, takes on the remit to
investigate cases of serious harm or death related to the Troubles/Conflict. From this date, bereaved families, victims and survivors, and certain public authorities, may request that the Commission carries out an investigation. Inquests still being carried out on 1 May 2024 are brought to an end, unless the only part still to take place is the final verdict or findings. These inquests will be concluded by the coroner. As part of its investigations, the Commission may apply a mechanism to test evidence called Enhanced Inquisitorial Proceedings, referred to as EIP. This document explains what EIP are, how they work and the reason they may be used. It sets out how EIP would apply to inquests that were at an advanced stage on 1 May and a request for an investigation is made. In these cases, the Commission will work to avoid unnecessary delays to concluding what the inquest started.