The terms of reference for an inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane have been published by the UK government.
Mr Finucane, a human rights lawyer, was shot dead at his family home in north Belfast by loyalist paramilitary group the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) in February 1989, in an attack found by a series of investigations to have involved collusion with the state.
His widow, Geraldine, who was wounded, and the couple’s three children, have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement.
According to the terms of reference, the inquiry’s investigation will seek to determine the circumstances of Mr Finucane’s murder; to establish the identity of all those involved in his murder and the nature of their involvement; to establish whether the evidence indicates that the murder could have been prevented; and investigate acts or omissions that are relevant to the murder.
Mrs Finucane said she welcomed today's development, adding that the focus of her family is to establish "the full truth about Pat's murder".
Announcing the terms of reference, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: "This was a barbaric and heinous crime.
"I commend the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and her family over the course of 37 years in seeking answers about the brutal murder of their loved one, and I am pleased that the inquiry will now finally be able to get under way."
Mr Benn said the terms of reference were developed following formal consultation with chair of the inquiry Gary Hickinbottom, who had consulted with the Finucane family "who provided very helpful feedback and observations".
He said that he would like to thank the chair and the Finucane family "for their engagement throughout the process".
The inquiry will have the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.
A timeline and budget for the inquiry is to be agreed within four months.
In a statement, Mrs Finucane said that she and her family "welcomed the publication of the terms of reference and the formal commencement of the inquiry's work.
"My family and I will engage constructively with the process and will carefully consider the detail of the terms that have been set out.
"It is essential that the chair and the inquiry are fully independent and free to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
"We expect that the inquiry will conduct its work thoroughly, transparently and in accordance with the state's obligations."
Mrs Finucane added: "For almost 37 years my family and I have campaigned for a full and independent investigation into Pat’s murder and the role of the state.
"The establishment of this inquiry is a significant moment in that long journey.
Our focus remains, as it always has been, on establishing the full truth about Pat’s murder".
