Haass proposals – The Main points

Creation of the Historical Investigations Unit to carry out inquiries into Troubles-related killings, replacing the Historical Enquiries Team and historical work carried out by Police Ombudsman and PSNI. Its director would be appointed by the North’s Policing Board.

Creation of the Independent Commission for Information

Retrieval

. This would allow victims access information about how their loved ones were killed. Perpetrators who give evidence to this commission would have limited immunity from prosecution. The commission could not share its information with the Historical Investigations Unit.

The creation of the Implementation and Reconciliation Group. It would be run by a “respected figure with relevant experience who can apply best practices and lessons learned from other post-conflict situations to lead the body as an oversight and implementation commissioner”. It would oversee all the bodies established by the agreement and also have a role in putting together a “factual chronology of the conflict”. It would also advise on what themes the Commission for Information Retrieval

would examine.

The creation of a Conflict Archive. It would be an archive of “oral histories, documents, and other relevant materials from individuals of all backgrounds, from

Northern Ireland

and beyond, who wish to share their experiences connected with the conflict”.

The creation of the Office for Parades, Select Commemorations, and Related Protests, to be run by a director appointed by First Minister

Peter Robinson

and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, which would “facilitate the vast majority of parades and other events that are non-contentious”.

The

creation of the Authority for Public Events Adjudication, with seven members, including a chairman or chairwoman, to decide on contentious parades. It would have the power in “exceptional” cases to ban parades when “no other decision can adequately safeguard community relations and public order”. Its decisions can be appealed back to the authority or by judicial review.

A code of conduct for parades, select commemorations and related protests.

The creation of the Commission on Identity, Culture, and Tradition, not later than three months after the signing of the proposed agreement. It would have a mandate for one year and three months thereafter to write its report and issue its recommendations.