Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their attendance and for their presentations. As part of the conflict resolution process it is incumbent on all of us to do everything possible to bring some form of closure to people who continue to be victims of that conflict. I refer in particular to the families of the Disappeared. The loss of a loved one is a great sorrow for any family but the loss of the remains makes it all the more painful and that pain continues until such time as there is a recovery which will help to bring about an element of closure.

I am a former combatant. I know the efforts being made by many people to address the continuing injustice which the families have to endure. This committee and the party to which I belong have worked tirelessly in order to help in that regard. We have been successful in quite a number of instances but issues remain. I am certain that all members of this committee will join me in making the appeal to anyone with any information that can help to please come forward to help resolve this part of an issue which arose out of the conflict.

Regrettably the past cannot be changed and wrongs and injustices happened and cannot be undone. Recognition and acknowledgement are part of the process by which victims are able to deal with pain and injustice. I was very encouraged to hear how the trauma education process which is advocated by the delegation will filter through the wider system. A structured comprehensive approach was also advocated. I ask the delegates to elaborate on how the committee can be of assistance in the development of that approach.

The Sinn Féin Party has been advocating for a truth and reconciliation process because in my view before we can deal with all the outstanding aspects we will all need to own up to our responsibilities, irrespective of who we are and to help with the collective healing of our communities. It is a significant and onerous undertaking. I am reliably informed that the truth and reconciliation process in South Africa has been very helpful for both the victims and for the combatants. I ask for the views of the delegates. No effort should be spared to bring about the recovery of the Disappeared. We all have an obligation to do our utmost to bring that about.