Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA and Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA met Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee TD in Dublin on Monday, February 9.

The discussion addressed defence concerns, legacy matters from the Troubles and reforms to Northern Ireland's devolved institutions.

Burrows stated the meeting established working relations between the parties while highlighting differences between Belfast and Dublin.

The Ulster Unionist delegation raised Irish defence capabilities and regional security, with emphasis on maritime protection.

Burrows noted encouragement from McEntee's commitment to enhance defence and pursue closer cooperation with the UK and Europe.

On Stormont, Burrows stressed that institutional changes fall under Strand One and should be handled solely by Northern Ireland's political parties.

Legacy issues from the Troubles dominated the talks. Burrows identified them as the main grievance between the UK and Ireland.

He requested clarification from the Irish government on claims by former Justice Minister Michael McDowell of a de facto amnesty during the conflict.

Burrows plans to write formally to McEntee for details on the alleged amnesty.

He urged full cooperation between Irish investigative units and UK authorities in legacy cases and criticised Dublin's lack of dedicated mechanisms for truth and accountability.

Burrows also pointed to the Irish government's past role, including use of its territory by terrorists and resistance to extraditions.

He called the planned timeline for Irish legacy legislation, due in late April or May, unacceptable.