Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed confirmation that the Irish Government will take an interstate case against the British Government’s Legacy Act.

Teachta McDonald said:

“I welcome confirmation that the Irish Government will take an interstate case to challenge the British Government’s Legacy Act under the European Convention on Human Rights.  

“Victims and families have been stating from the outset that this cruel and shameful Act Is a flagrant breach of international human rights law.

“The British Tory Government rushed through this legislation despite the clear opposition and concerns raised by victims and families, all political parties, the Irish Government, the US, UN, the Council of Europe and human rights experts.

“It is a blatant attempt to shut the door on families’ efforts to achieve truth and justice through the courts and to give an amnesty to British state forces involved in the murder of, and serious human rights violations against, Irish citizens. 

“Heartbroken families have been fighting for years, determined to get truth and justice for their loved ones. They should not have been forced to take individual legal actions against this Act, and this action by the government will now complement these challenges.

“We will stand with those families as they challenge this cruel and cynical law, and as they continue to campaign with dignity and determination for truth and justice.”