Sean Brown murder case: Minister vows to press for answers

The Irish Foreign Affairs Minister said the government will press for answers about Sean Brown’s 1997 killing; Dublin continues to call for a public inquiry while the UK government has appealed to the Supreme Court over a court ruling on an inquiry.

The Irish Foreign Affairs Minister said the government is committed to securing answers for the family of Sean Brown. Mr Brown was killed in 1997 and no one has been convicted. Dublin continues to press for a public inquiry while the UK government has taken an appeal to the Supreme Court over judicial rulings that would require one. The Irish government also supports new legacy structures agreed with the UK but says a public inquiry would offer a more timely remedy for Mr Brown’s widow. Known details: - The Minister for Foreign Affairs said officials will continue to press for answers for the family. - Sean Brown was killed in 1997 and no one has been convicted in the case. - Dublin is seeking a public inquiry; Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has appealed to the UK Supreme Court over rulings that would compel one. - A joint UK–Irish framework on legacy investigative structures was agreed last September, but Dublin maintains its call for a public inquiry. Summary: The case remains a point of disagreement between the Irish and UK governments, with Dublin arguing a public inquiry would best meet the widow’s need for a timely remedy. The immediate procedural step is the Supreme Court appeal brought by the Northern Ireland Secretary, and the court’s decision will affect whether a public inquiry proceeds.