The release of funding for legacy inquests has been surrounded with confusion following Sinn Féin claims that it secured a commitment from the UK government outside its failed talks with the DUP.

Last week, Sinn Féin said the UK government had committed to put legacy mechanisms out to consultation and release the funding requested by the Lord Chief Justice for coroner’s courts.

The party said that commitment was made separately from the failed talks with the DUP and therefore still stood.

However, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP’s spokesperson on legacy issues, said he was unaware of any deal between Sinn Féin and the UK government, and DUP leader Arlene Foster said it would be “astonishing” if a deal was made behind their backs.

Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill briefed Victims Commissioner Judith Thompson on legacy issues on Friday.

Afterwards, Ms O’Neill said: “The British Government did commit to releasing the inquest funding and to go ahead with the consultation, minus the amnesty proposal for British State Forces.

“That represents positive progress towards the implementation of commitments from the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements.

“The British Government should never have been using victims as bargaining chips in the negotiations and they now need to implement their agreement, release the funds immediately and start the consultation.

“Sinn Féin will continue to press for the full implementation of all agreements and to defend the rights and entitlements of all victims and survivors.”