Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan stated plans to release a draft of fresh Troubles legacy legislation in May, targeting approval before year-end. He shared the details at a cross-border policing conference in County Cavan with leaders from An Garda Síochána and the PSNI.

O'Callaghan described recent discussions with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn about the UK's bill set for the House of Commons. He indicated Irish rules would parallel the UK version under a joint framework both governments adopted last year to support probes into Troubles deaths and aid families.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly outlined advances in the Belturbet bombing case from December 28, 1972. The explosion hit the town's main street without notice and claimed the lives of 15-year-old Geraldine O'Reilly from Belturbet and 16-year-old Patrick Stanley from Clara, County Offaly. The incident occurred during the Troubles, Northern Ireland's three-decade conflict.

Gardaí restarted the inquiry close to three and a half years ago, developing multiple new investigative paths. Kelly committed to persistent efforts for justice to the victims' relatives and sent condolences to their families.

Kelly called cross-border data exchanges on legacy issues challenging yet pledged full backing from An Garda Síochána.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher underscored the obligation to share pertinent details with families irrespective of borders. He identified current legacy laws as obstacles to unrestricted access and assured that the PSNI would furnish records to An Garda Síochána upon request.

An Garda Síochána created the Troubles Legacy Liaison Unit in January to link with the planned Legacy Commission and guide victims on investigations within the Republic.