Murders reinvestigation proposed

The group was set up to examine the legacy of the Troubles

The group looking at how best to deal with the legacy of the Troubles is to propose creating a five-year commission to reinvestigate all murders.

If prosecutions are not possible, the police, army and paramilitary organisations will be asked to provide details about their roles.

Any information given would not be used for prosecutions.

The consultative group on the past, chaired by Denis Bradley and Lord Eames is still working on its final report.

However, details have emerged about some of its key recommendations.

It is expected to call for the establishment of an independent commission for a five-year period.

It would take over the role of re-examining all killings during the Troubles, something currently carried out by the Historical Enquiries Team.

The commission would also investigate controversial killings where there are allegations of collusion with the security forces - a role currently undertaken by the Police Ombudsman.

In cases where there is no possibility of a prosecution, the commission would ask the families of victims if they want to know details about what happened.

If the families agree, the commission would then call on those responsible - whether it was paramilitary organisations, the police or army - to come forward and provide details.

There would not be a general amnesty - but those who agree to meet the commission would be given immunity for the information they provide, meaning it could not be used for prosecutions.

The group hopes to publish its report before Christmas.