An independent review commissioned by the British government examined the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). It found problems with leadership conflict, financial management and staff morale. The review appeared this week.

The ICRIR began operations in May 2024 and has issued no investigation reports. Mark Thompson, CEO of Relatives For Justice (RFJ), said his group released nine full family reports in that time, with four more due soon. He noted RFJ used far fewer staff and resources than the ICRIR's nearly 300 personnel and £250 million funding.

Thompson said the ICRIR's record supports families' views that it cannot meet their requirements. Secretary of State Hilary Benn called the review findings unacceptable and short of expected standards. He said the ICRIR Board must take steps to fix the issues.

Benn added that the government intends to reform the ICRIR into the Legacy Commission via the Troubles Bill to improve operations and trust. Chief Commissioner Declan Morgan said he regrets the problems arose during his tenure. Former Police Ombudsman Baroness Nuala O’Loan said the ICRIR has a fundamental problem.

The ICRIR operates under the Legacy Act from the prior Conservative government. Relatives For Justice issued a report this week on the UVF killing of Harry Muldoon in Ardoyne in October 1984. That report covers alleged collusion between the UVF and RUC.