Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our guests. I have met representatives from most of the groups involved - if not those who are present - on various visits to Northern Ireland. The stories they tell in respect of their own circumstances and the various cases with which they are dealing are extremely sad. I was surprised when Ms Peake indicated that the figure for new referrals last year was 550. That is a huge number. I do not wish to be misunderstood but what is the success rate in respect of such referrals? When I use the phrase "success rate", I am seeking to discover that with which people are satisfied. Is it just the case that they want to tell their stories? Do they want to be part of Ms Peake's group - the purpose of which is to create a wider family of people who have been affected by the Troubles - in order to obtain some type of solace and consolation?

Many groups in the North appear to have specific and good intentions in respect of the communities they represent but funding seems to be a problem for all of them. What is the position in the context of funding?

I was delighted to hear about the education programmes.

Education is the first step on the ladder that will get us out of this. If we do not educate ourselves as well as those who are close to us and helpful to us, we will not make the progress that is necessary. We cannot continually look back as other generations must be cared for and given hope. Education is a major factor in preparing the next generations and we must ensure they enjoy the benefits of education.

Ms Peake referred to Unionists, loyalists, Nationalists and Catholics. While I am aware these labels do not matter to her, it would be interesting to learn how many people have sought help and to ascertain if there is a cross-over. The cross-over, of itself, is beneficial in overcoming some of the problems that have been generated.

I visited an exhibition on the disappeared which was simple yet told an important story. The day I visited families of the disappeared were present to tell each individual story. This was the strength of the exhibition; having the families present to tell their simple but important story. I have thought of it on numerous occasions since my visit. I was struck by the simple photographs, each with a short line at the bottom. One could easily pass the photographs but they become extremely significant when one is told what lies behind them. I am aware that efforts are under way to bring the exhibition to the South. It should move around the country in order that people get a sense of the necessity to address the problem. I hope this is done soon.

We heard about a number of reports that bodies were buried in County Meath. We must be positive and constructive in as far as possible. The sooner the exhibition is brought here, the better. I appreciate the attendance of the witnesses. In fairness to the Chairman, the joint committee has taken a progressive approach and wants to help and engage. Members have visited the North on numerous occasions to meet and interact with representatives of various groups, irrespective of whether they were loyalist, Unionist, Nationalist, Catholic or anything else.

I thank the delegations for coming and hope this meeting will be of some assistance to them. I also hope further efforts will be made to bring the exhibition to the South. The joint committee should consider what it could do to move forward on the issue of victims. One can talk for a long time but talk must be backed up with action.

The issue of funding arose. We must examine every aspect of this issue. We do not know what small measures could help. Having been involved in many associations, I do not believe there is such a thing as a bad committee. Every committee in which I have been involved achieved something. If this committee achieves something, we will be able to look back in future and state we responded positively to what we heard today and on other occasions.