Peter Sheridan will take up the job as commissioner of investigations on a new legacy body.
BBC News NI political editor
It will take over hundreds of unresolved Troubles cases from next May and will have a budget of £250m.It is understood Mr Sheridan will lead a team of investigators who will have the same powers as a police constable in reviewing cases. As part of an information recovery process, perpetrators will be offered immunity from prosecution if they share details of their crimes.
During his 15 years with Co-operation Ireland he was heavily involved in cross-border peace building and played a key part in high-profile acts of reconciliation.
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