John Edward McNicholl (73) is charged with murdering an RUC officer and attempted murder, while Seamus Christopher O'Kane (74) is charged with possession of firearms

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly stressed that the site of the former prison could only be developed when political consensus is reached.

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly delivered the graveside oration to Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane at Milltown Cemetery.

McFarlane, from the Ardoyne area of north Belfast, was known for taking part in the biggest escape in UK prison history.

The former Sinn Féin leader said it was now ‘obvious’ the Labour Government will not repeal the Legacy Act.

The Education Minister accused other parties of ‘hypocrisy’ over their criticism of his meetings with the Loyalist Communities Council.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly was pressed on unlocking the potential of the site on the outskirts of Lisburn.

It has lain derelict for decades amid political disagreement over its future.

The former Sinn Féin president won a UK Supreme Court appeal in 2020 over historical convictions in Northern Ireland in the 1970s.