Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 25 January 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Legacy Issues Affecting Victims and Relatives in Northern Ireland: Discussion (Resumed)

2:10 pm

Mr. Paul Maskey:

I do not intend to speak for too long on this issue, as I am speaking as a cousin of one of the people named in the document. Thankfully, the body of that individual - John McClory - is one of those that has been found. I know the hurt that this causes families. It is upsetting. That is why I do not intend to speak for too long on it.

I thank the commission for the work it has done. I also thank everyone who came forward with correct information that allowed the return of people's bodies to their loved ones. There is nothing as important in people's lives as being able to bury their loved ones and go to their graves to pay their respects. Unfortunately, in the case of three individuals, their families are not able to do that.

I echo some of the comments that have been made at this meeting. I appeal to those who have any information. As mentioned, it does not matter how small it is - they should come forward with it as a matter of urgency. I sincerely hope that the three individuals who have not been returned to their loved ones can be returned and that information on them comes forward. Without such information, their families continue to suffer to this day. I hope that people will come forward with information to alleviate that suffering and put this part of our past behind us. I want families to be able to go to the graves of their loved ones and pay their respects. That is what I do in respect of members of my family who are dead. I urge people to come forward with the relevant information to allow other families to do the same.

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