An independent review of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) identified issues with leadership conflict, financial management and staff morale. The review was commissioned by the British government and published this week.

The ICRIR has not published any investigation reports since starting operations in May 2024. Mark Thompson, CEO of Relatives For Justice (RFJ), stated that his organisation published nine full family reports over the same period, with four more forthcoming, using far fewer staff and resources than the ICRIR's nearly 300 personnel and £250 million funding.

Thompson added that the ICRIR's lack of output confirms families' doubts about its ability to meet their needs. Secretary of State Hilary Benn described the review findings as unacceptable and below expected standards. He called on the ICRIR Board to address the problems.

Benn noted the government's plan through the Troubles Bill to reform the ICRIR into the Legacy Commission to enhance processes and confidence. Chief Commissioner Declan Morgan expressed regret that these issues occurred under his leadership. Former Police Ombudsman Baroness Nuala O’Loan stated that something is fundamentally wrong with the ICRIR.

The ICRIR was established under the Conservative government's Legacy Act. Relatives For Justice recently released a report on the UVF killing of Harry Muldoon in Ardoyne in October 1984, which covers alleged collusion between the UVF and RUC.