PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State announces ICRIR Chief Commissioner [May 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 11 May 2023.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has appointed The Rt Hon Sir Declan Morgan to be Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has identified The Rt Hon Sir Declan Morgan to be appointed Chief Commissioner of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The appointment will take place following the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill receiving Royal Assent and establishment of the ICRIR, taking account of any further considerations and final requirements of Parliament.

The ICRIR is a key component of the Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, which represents the Government’s pledge to address the extremely complex and sensitive legacy of Northern Ireland’s past. It is being established as an arm’s length body that will operate independently of government.

Sir Declan, a former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland, will begin work from early next month to identify other Commissioners and to consider how the new Commission will carry out its role. He will lead the process to recruit the Commissioner for Investigations. That role is currently advertised, seeking the broadest possible field of experienced candidates, and subject to fair and open competition, with appointment on merit. In light of the announcement of the Chief Commissioner, the deadline will be extended until 01 June to allow him to lead the appointment process and form a panel.

Confirming the announcement via a written ministerial statement to Parliament, Mr Heaton-Harris said:

Sir Declan brings a wealth of experience from his previous role as former Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland from 2009-2021.  A hallmark of his distinguished career has been his commitment to addressing Northern Ireland’s past. I am confident that he will bring the highest level of experience, expertise and integrity to this post which will help build public confidence in the ICRIR.