Conflict related inquest records
Each year PRONI receives many applications requesting access to conflict related inquest records.
COVID-19 Update: PRONI is continuing to accept FOI requests and other requests for access to closed records. However, responses will likely be delayed as access to the physical collection is restricted and the majority of PRONI staff are not working onsite, in line with social distancing measures. Your request will be logged and PRONI will contact you about its progress. You will not need to resubmit your request at a later date. More information about the regulation of FOI requests during coronavirus is available from the Information Commissioner's Office.
Information held by PRONI
PRONI holds the inquest records of over 3,000 people who died in the conflict. However, they don't have the records of all the inquests held during that period.
To find out if PRONI has the inquest record you are seeking, you can search PRONI's eCatalogue by inserting the person's name and the word inquest or report.
You can also email or write to PRONI to ask if they have the inquest record. Include the person's name. It's helpful if you also provide the date the person died, their last address or the date of their inquest.
Apply for access to inquest records
PRONI releases information under the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA), the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Court Files Privileged Access Rules (NI) 2016. Applicants can decide which process is most suited to their needs.
Access under the Court Files Privileged Access Rules (NI) 2016
Relatives can contact PRONI to find out if they hold the record of a particular inquest. The process under the 2016 Rules allows individuals privileged access to information in inquest files provided they sign an Undertaking that they will keep the released files confidential. Applicants can either request access to information themselves, or they can appoint a legal representative or charity to receive the information on their behalf.
Individual applicants
Any individual who has been affected by the conflict or by another incident recorded in any inquest file held by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland may apply for access under the 2016 Rules. Individuals applying for access to inquest records under the Court Files Privileged Access Rules (NI) 2016 should complete the application form. The guidance notes will help you to complete your form.
Applicants represented by a legal representative or charity
An eligible applicant may also appoint a legal representative, or nominate an employee of a charity to receive the information on their behalf. Lawyers or charities who are applying on behalf of an applicant for access to inquest records under Court Files Privileged Access Rules (NI) should complete the application form. The guidance notes will help you to complete the form.
The Court Files Privileged Access Rules (Northern Ireland) 2016 are available to view at the following link:
The Court Files Privileged Access Rules (Northern Ireland) 2016
Access under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
Applications can be made for access to inquest records under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. If you apply for an inquest record under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the version of the record which is given to you will also be available for other people to see.
To make an application under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, contact PRONI in writing or by e-mail.
Contact PRONI
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland2 Titanic Boulevard
Titanic Quarter
Belfast
BT3 9HQ
- email: proni@communities-ni.gov.uk
- phone: (+44) 028 9053 4800