Ms Margaret Urwin:

No reason was given but I would assume that was the reason. As members know from my presentation, an awful lot of work remains to be done, particularly now that cases have begun to be accepted by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. We definitely need help to continue to support the families in that.

On a truth recovery process, we are in favour of the recommendations in the Haass proposals, provided all victims of the conflict and all deaths are included. Mr. Murphy indicated that all deaths that originated in Northern Ireland should be included. That would not be sufficient because many of the killings in the Republic did not originate in Northern Ireland. While we do not represent all of the families concerned, the families of all of those who were killed as a result of the Troubles have the right to know the details and the truth about how their loved ones were killed. The 120 people who lost their lives in this State, regardless of whether they originated in the North, have the same right to the truth. In the great majority of cases where Justice for the Forgotten represents the victim's family, the killing originated in the North. I am speaking for other victims who we do not represent when I state that they, too, have the same rights.

Deputy Crowe asked for our response to those who argue that we should forget the past. Forgetting is not an option. The families of the victims want and need to know the truth if they are to move on. This has been proved in other areas where conflicts have occurred. For example, people in Spain are demanding the truth about what happened to their loved ones during the Spanish civil war when, for example, many people were disappeared. Forgetting about the past or sweeping it under the carpet does not make it go away. It must be faced and dealt with.

Deputy Crowe also referred to the Military Reaction Force, MRF. A "Panorama" programme on the MRF was broadcast before Christmas. If the Deputy is interested, I can provide him with a copy of a little booklet I published on the issue last year. Copies are also available online.

To return to the issue of funding, Justice for the Forgotten's funding requirements are very modest because we no longer have a city centre office. I work from home, which is fine and has significantly reduced our financial need. If the joint committee would like an expenditure budget for the organisation, I will be very pleased to provide one.