News

Speaking following the publication of the independent review of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, Chief Commissioner Sir Declan Morgan said:  “For decades, victims, survivors and families have been deprived of accountability and justice for their loved ones. Our job is to correct that, to find the truth and where we can ensure that accountability and justice are secured. We acknowledge and regret the shortcomings identified in the May report. As Chief Commissioner I am deeply sorry that this has happened on my watch. We are committed to addressing this as we move forward...

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery has welcomed the judgment by the Supreme Court in the case of Dillon et al, and the clarity it brings to the interpretation of Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Speaking following the ruling, Chief Commissioner Sir Declan Morgan said:  “I and my fellow Commissioners welcome the Supreme Court’s judgment. Our central aim remains to uncover the truth for victims and survivors who have waited decades for answers regarding what happened to them or their loved ones during the Troubles/Conflict.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (the Commission) is investigating the death of Alex Millar who was fatally injured in a shooting while at work in May 1975. Alex was a 54-year-old Citybus Inspector and father of four. His family has come to the Commission requesting an investigation to find the truth about his death.

Speaking following a statement made to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, on the independent review of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, Chief Commissioner Sir Declan Morgan said: “I and my fellow Commissioners welcome the Secretary of State’s statement and thank Peter May for his diligence and professionalism in conducting the independent review...

The ICRIR (the Commission) is investigating the deaths of Ellen and James Sefton who were killed when a booby trap device exploded under their car in June 1990. James was a 65-year-old retired police officer. His wife Ellen was 66. They had two children, a son and a daughter. The Sefton family has approached the Commission in the hope that someone may come forward with information about what happened to Ellen and James.

The Commission is investigating the deaths of Eric Guiney and his son Desmond who were attacked on the Antrim Road in Belfast on Tuesday 5 May 1981. Following a request from their family, the Commission is appealing for witnesses to come forward to find the truth of what happened to Eric and Desmond.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery Annual Report and Accounts 2024–25 have been presented to Parliament and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to Part 1 (6)(4) of Schedule 1 of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery has published this report in accordance with Section 2 (9)(10) of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (the Act).

The ICRIR is led by the law and ready for reform. The governments’ joint framework provides clarity. It promises new powers, enhanced independence, and improved capabilities. This is important, timely and welcome.

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (the Commission) has launched appeals for witnesses to come forward in relation to two investigations following requests from the victims’ families.