Almost 230 top secret documents from 1987 have been released by the North’s Public Records Office.
The material charts developments arising from the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement in November 1985 and covers one of the most turbulent periods in Northern Ireland’s history.
Communities Minister Paul Givan said: “The addition of almost 230 documents to this valuable resource is good news for historians, researchers and students alike.
“It is important that people can access these records to help this and future generations understand more about our history.”
The papers will be published as part of the Conflict Archive on the Internet (Cain).
Eight IRA members were shot dead by the SAS at Loughgall, Co Armagh, in May 1987, and in November that year, the IRA mounted one of its deadliest attacks, killing 11 people and injuring more than 60 in the Enniskillen Poppy Day bombing.
Dr Brendan Lynn, Cain deputy director, said: “The latest additions will bring to more than 1,700 the number of Proni (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland) records available on Cain.
“The information itself is easily available and free of charge.
“We believe it will be of great use to students, researchers, teachers and lecturers or to anyone with an interest in the political and social history of Northern Ireland.”
