The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has set a 12-week time limit for third parties to potentially take part in the hearing on Ireland’s Inter-State case against the United Kingdom.

The Government last month officially lodged a legal challenge against the UK’s controversial legislation on the legacy of the Troubles.

The court today (9 February) gave more details of the procedure to be followed in the case, adding that the parties would be consulted “in due course” to fix the written procedure.

Written comments

The court also said that the 12-week time-limit for third-party interventions would start to run from publication of today’s press release.

Under the court’s rules, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights can make a request to submit written comments on the case within the 12-week limit.

Other countries, or individuals, who wish to submit written comments must also make such a request within 12 weeks.

In its application, Ireland is arguing that the provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.