Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou McDonald TD, has said that the government must step up its efforts to confront the British government’s cynical and callous Legacy Act.

Raising the issue with Taoiseach Simon Harris in the Dáil today, Teachta McDonald welcomed that the government had taken an interstate case against the British government but asked that he provide a clear and urgent timeline as to when that case will be heard.

The Legacy Act, opposed by all parties in Ireland north and south, came into effect today, and blocks heartbroken families from getting justice for their loved ones through the courts.

Ms McDonald said:

“The British government’s Legacy Act is a cynical and callous attempt to block heartbroken families from ever getting justice through the courts for their loved ones, and to hide the role that British state forces and their agents played throughout the conflict.

“Today, to Britain’s very great shame, that act takes effect.

“I have raised this issue many times, and welcome that the government has lodged an interstate case against the British government, which is a very necessary action.

“The shutting-down of legacy inquests and investigations have had a very real and human impact on these families. But they will not give up in their dignified campaign for truth and justice, and this energy will always endure.

“The Taoiseach today gave a commitment that he would provide a timeline as to when the interstate case will be heard, and it is now crucially important to these families that they are provided with that timeline and assurance quickly.

“Sinn Féin stands with these families, now and in the future, in their continued fight for justice.”