It comes after a joint announcement by UK Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and Irish Tánaiste Simon Harris at a joint news conference today (19 September), announcing agreement by both governments on new measures for dealing with legacy issues and supporting victims of the Troubles.

Mrs Long has said: “Any progress on establishing a new framework is to be broadly welcomed. The last government squandered both time and trust in trying to frustrate the quest for truth and justice, and it will take time to repair that damage.

"Whilst we will want to take time to consider the detail of the proposals and hear from victims and survivors, alongside both the UK and Irish governments, we recognise that what has been announced today represents a substantive change of direction and tone.

"The priority must now be ensuring those victims, survivors and their families are at the heart of the process and that any legislation delivers the truth, justice and accountability that they have long deserved.

"We also have long held the view that the border should not be a barrier to victims accessing truth and justice. The Irish Government has a duty and obligation to ensure full cooperation and the delivery of reciprocal arrangements, and we welcome that commitment restated today.

“This has to be a process in which people can have confidence. Independent oversight, transparent management of roles and conflicts of interest, active participation by families in the process and access to due process are essential for ensuring robust accountability and guaranteeing the overall credibility of any new arrangements.

“How we approach legacy has an impact on our ability to create a truly shared and united society, based on truth, justice and reconciliation. I hope that today will prove to be an important step in restoring some shared ownership of legacy between both governments and victims and survivors."