4.The Act has three main purposes. It makes provision about the Commission established by an agreement made on 27th April 1999 between the United Kingdom Government and the Government of Ireland. It also provides for various forms of protection to attach to information provided to the Commission (and any evidence which comes to light as a result) about the whereabouts of the remains of victims. Finally, it makes provision in relation to the entry and search of premises where remains are likely to be found.
5.The Act provides for three types of protection for information provided to the Commission about the whereabouts of the remains of victims of violence (and for any evidence which is obtained as a result). First, the Act makes such information and evidence inadmissible in criminal proceedings. Second, it places restrictions on the forensic testing of human remains and other items found as a result of the provision of information to the Commission. Third, it restricts the disclosure of information provided to the Commission.
The Act