Unionists have previously reacted negatively towards the UK government dealing with Dublin on the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
While the Labour Government has committed to repealing parts of the Act, which has faced opposition from political parties in Northern Ireland and victims’ organisations, it has decided to keep and reform the commission.
Unionist politicians have been critical of any move to allow the Irish Government to have influence over the ICRIR stating that Dublin has not done enough to address legacy itself.
The Tánaiste told conference attendees that this new collaboration between the two governments will be meaningful, only if it includes and delivers for the people of Northern Ireland.
Harris said Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn had been an “honourable interlocutor” in the negotiations, adding: “We’re effectively there in relation to a deal on legacy.”
The Tánaiste stressed the importance of how any new agreement “lands” with people in Northern Ireland, adding: “Trust is not like a light switch, it’s not something that can just be turned on or off – it has to be earned.”
Speaking after delivering his speech he added: “And people’s trust in the North – people’s trust across the island – in legacy mechanisms is pretty well shook because of the actions of previous governments, nothing to do with the current British Government.”