ICRIR launches formal consultation on how it will operate.

Lasting eight weeks, the public consultation which can be accessed here, will inform the Commission’s key policies to support its investigations.

It follows previous consultations on our Trauma Informed Approach, Disability Action Plan and Equality Scheme, and is the latest step in inviting all who wish to do so to input to the Commission’s work.

The consultation document explains the Commission’s proposed operating model and the stages for how investigations will be carried out.  It reflects matters from the High Court’s recent judgment, including setting out more information about how victims, families and survivors will be involved at key steps in the investigation.

The fact that – as a result of the High Court’s judgment – Conditional Immunity is not available as a means of obtaining information does not stop the Commission from using the other range of powers and processes to carry out effective investigations. 

ICRIR Chief Commissioner Sir Declan Morgan, said:

“How we work is just as important as what we do, which is why I am asking people from across Northern Ireland, Great Britain and wider to help us with the design of the Commission so that it works for them.

“The Commission has strong powers to obtain information necessary to carry out its investigations. Our right of access – without redaction or limitation – to all the information we require from the state, and our ability to compel witnesses to give evidence, as well as use of police powers, give us a wide range of tools.

“We are now putting in place the final steps to start meeting with those who want the Commission to investigate their case from May.”

ICRIR Commissioner for Investigations Peter Sheridan, added:

“We’re at the advanced stages of recruitment for our first case support workers and investigators through a robust selection process that ensures they will act impartially and bring great expertise to our support and investigation work.”

“There will be more roles advertised as we build the Commission and I would encourage all with the right skills who want to make this work to apply”

The Commission will begin operational work from May.

The public consultation will be open until 10th May 2024. All responses should be submitted by email to ICRIR Engagement Team engagementteam@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk or by post to Freepost ICRIR

More information is available on the ICRIR website here.

Notes to Editors:

• The ICRIR has set out its values in its Code of Conduct.
  
• The ICRIR is engaged in a range of recruitment, estates and ICT roll out, and finalisation of operational policies. Case Support Workers, Senior Investigative Officers, Investigators, Analysts and other roles are all at advanced stages of recruitment.
  
• The ICRIR waited until it had carefully considered the High Court’s judgment on the challenge to the UK Government’s Legacy Act before launching this consultation so that it can reflect aspects of the Court’s analysis. The consultation will be open for eight weeks and will close on 10th May. The Commission will then set out its response to the consultation and finalised policies as part of its early operational work in May.
  
• In relation to the Commission’s information powers, Colton J said “Having considered the disclosure powers of the Commission and the obligations of the state, in particular, it seems to me this is article 2/3 compliant and, an improvement on the situation in relation to inquests.” (paragraph 319)
  
• Anyone who would like to get involved in the Commission’s work to define its processes and principles can email us at our Contact page to be added to our mailing list for updates.