NI secretary deeply concerned by review into legacy body

The findings of a review into the body which investigates Troubles-related deaths are deeply concerning, the Northern Ireland secretary has said.

The report found the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) was facing significant problems with financial management, leadership conflict and staff morale.

Hilary Benn said what had been identified in the report was "unacceptable and falls below the standards expected".

Chief commissioner Sir Declan Morgan said the body regretted the shortcomings and it was committed to addressing the issues.

"I am deeply sorry that this has happened on my watch," he added.

The independent review, which was carried out by former Northern Ireland Civil Service permanent secretary Peter May, was commissioned following concerns about the ICRIR's corporate effectiveness and culture.

On the subject of culture, the report found: "Descriptions of the culture in ICRIR (and particularly relating to the senior team and their interactions) have included language like toxic, silo working, divided and disrespectful."

While acknowledging there were individuals who had not experienced or seen adverse behaviours, the report said "pretty much everyone recognised there were deep divisions which were damaging the successful completion of work as well as adversely impacting morale and in some cases wellbeing of staff."

As of 31 March 2025, according to its own annual report, the commission employed 169 members of staff, 60% of whom were based in Belfast and 40% were based in London.

It said 56% of commission staff were female and 44% were male.

Established to investigate deaths and serious injuries during Northern Ireland's decades-long conflict known as the Troubles, the ICRIR began began operating in May 2024.

It was set up under the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act.

Many victims' groups oppose the ICRIR - introduced by the previous Conservative government - and the Labour government has promised to replace it as part of a legacy reform package agreed with the Irish government.

"ICRIR was set up to undertake complex and sensitive investigations relating to deaths and serious injuries during the Troubles," Benn said.

"Its senior leadership team has a duty to uphold the organisation's values and those of the wider public sector to ensure victims, survivors and their families can have confidence in the organisation's ability to deliver.

"I am deeply concerned to see some of the findings in Peter May's review.

"It is for ICRIR board to take whatever steps are necessary and appropriate to address this."

The report said it was important to recognise there were real strengths in the work done to date,

"The commission has many good people committed to the mission of the organisation and willing to work hard to achieve it," it said.

"That said, ICRIR is facing significant problems resulting from a combination of the governing legislation which creates structural weaknesses, problems with the financial management and governance of the organisation and conflict among its senior leaders which is damaging the operation of the organisation and overall morale."

The review offered up 19 recommendations, the review called for urgent talks between the Northern Ireland Office and ICRIR, stronger financial oversight and a reset of the organisation's internal culture.

Sir Declan said the commission was a "young and developing organisation".

"I want to assure those that have come to us for help, that none of the recommendations in the review relate to our pursuit of individual investigations," he said.