Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am the only contributor remaining, so I will say a few words before asking whether the three witnesses wish to comment on the other contributions and bringing the meeting to a conclusion.

Speaking as a schoolteacher, anyone with a result of 13 out of 16 would be considered to have done an excellent job, but that is no good for the three unresolved body recoveries. As many of those present know, the area within three miles of where I live is where most of the bodies have been found - Iniskeen, Carrickrobin, my home village of Knockbridge, Ravensdale and Jonesborough. Today is about recognising the importance of the return of the three gentlemen - Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh and Robert Nairac.

On behalf of the committee, I compliment the commission on its professionalism and sterling efforts in recovering the bodies. When I met the witnesses outside, I told them of my first-hand experience of the commission's work when one of the bodies was recovered within 300 yd. of where I live.

Of most importance has been the confidentiality shown by the commission. The message needs to go out loud and clear that the three remaining families need closure. As was mentioned, that closure can only be brought about with information.

Will the witnesses comment on the rumour that one of the three persons whose body has not been recovered was not buried? Without indicating what their information is, has this rumour been brought to their attention? It was one of the main local rumours that did the rounds in the Border area.

I ask anybody who has information to please come forward, as others have asked, as it would give families an opportunity to bury their loved ones and put an end to this sorry saga.

In conclusion, I was 22 years of age when the body of Mr. Simons, whose case was not part of the commission's work, was discovered. Coincidently, his body was found within 300 yd. of my bedroom at my home. Like others here in this room, who have experienced the hurt of violence and been about to bring closure, such discoveries have been tremendous for the families affected. I appeal to anybody with information who is listening today to give the remaining families that closure by conveying information through the commission's confidential post office box number and telephone lines. I wish the commission well in the future.