Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary of State Karen Bradley has apologised for comments she made about the Troubles yesterday.
There was widespread condemnation of her remarks, which were made in the House of Commons.
She claimed that killings carried out by security forces during the Troubles in the North "were not crimes".
She said troops were simply people carrying out their duties "in a dignified and appropriate way".
She later clarified the remarks in parliament, but has today issued a further statement and apology.
She said: "I want to apologise. I am profoundly sorry for the offence and hurt that my words have caused.
"The language was wrong and even though this was not my intention, it was deeply insensitive to many of those who lost loved ones."
She added: "I know from those families that I have met personally just how raw their pain is and I completely understand why they want to see justice properly delivered."
Tánaiste Simon Coveney also read out sections of the statement in the Dáil this afternoon, as he was quizzed on Ms Bradley's statements by TDs.
Sinn Féin had branded her remarks as "outrageous and offensive", and called for an apology.
