The establishment of the Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit fulfils a commitment in the joint framework agreed by the Irish and UK governments last September.

As well as acting as a point of contact for UK authorities, it will also serve as a central point of contact and co-ordination for victims and families in relation to Troubles-related investigations undertaken by An Garda Síochána.

The new unit will endeavour to answer questions from victims and families regarding Troubles-related investigations by An Garda Síochána and provide family reports where possible.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “The establishment of the Garda Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit is a significant milestone in the implementation of the joint framework.

“It is also a further step in giving effect to the programme for government commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction.

“Policing has evolved hugely in recent decades towards a more victim-centred approach. The establishment of this unit will provide a readily accessible point of contact for survivors and victims’ families in seeking answers to their questions as they relate to An Garda Síochána.

“Reciprocal cooperation is at the heart of the joint framework and it is my hope that engagement by the authorities on both sides of the border under the Framework will assist families in their pursuit of truth, accountability and, where possible, justice.

“I have heard from victims and families in Troubles-related cases that many feel that time is running out for them, so I want to thank the Garda commissioner for moving quickly to establish this new unit.”

Garda commissioner Justin Kelly said: “The Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit will give the victims and families involved in Troubles-related investigations a point of access for information about their cases and a place to direct their queries.

“It will also act as a single point of contact for co-operation with UK authorities on Troubles-related cases.

“The aim is that the unit will make the journey of navigating Troubles-related cases easier for the victims and families involved, while also supporting the wider work being conducted in securing truth, accountability and, where possible, justice.”