The chair of the inquiry, retired Lord Justice of Appeal, Sir Patrick Coghlin, successfully sought a written assurance that witnesses’ evidence would not be used against them.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has given a commitment that oral evidence, witness statements, and any document produced solely by that witness to the inquiry will not be used in criminal proceedings.

However, it excludes anyone giving false testimony.

Sir Patrick said the commitment “will enable us to proceed in an open, transparent and efficient manner” as the inquiry moves towards its first oral hearings this October.