Mr. William Devas:

In reply to Deputy O'Sullivan, Glencree is in the fortunate situation through our dialogue work of not having to reach agreement. On one level, it is easier for us. In many ways, we are looking to disagree but in a much better and more understanding and empathetic way. In the work we do, we do not have to find agreement between those who would like a day in court and to see someone go to prison and those who want something else. What we hope to achieve is that people have a greater understanding of what people have been through and the issues pertaining to that and to allow perceptions and misperceptions to be addressed. We are engaged in one piece of work in which there are very real concerns among the group we are working with that - the word "collusion" is not being used - a state was involved in and to blame for the way they have suffered. They have some very legitimate questions they deserve answers to. However, at the same time they have some misunderstandings. The chance to engage with a politician or someone else who has been involved in legislation and the process allows them to see that they have not appreciated something. One can strip away some of the misunderstandings to be left with the core issue. We are fortunate that we do not have to have agreement. Personally, I would not in Glencree want to turn to any victim's family or group and say: "You should not be looking for X, Y or Z". We are very careful about not having strong views. We believe that if we do not deal with the past, it will come back and bite us.