Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to acknowledge the importance of the work of the witnesses. Work with former prisoners, whether political or non-political, is so important. I would have some involvement with non-political prisoners in the Twenty-six Counties. What is common to both is the difficulties that society presents to those who want to move on. It is almost incredible to hear, 20 years on when so much has been achieved, that things are going backwards rather than forwards for former prisoners.

I ask the witnesses to provide more information on funding. I did not quite catch everything in relation to PEACE IV. What are the stumbling blocks there and can this committee be of any support in that regard? We have had other presentations relating to legacy issues, truth and reconciliation and so forth.

Will the witnesses' organisation engage with those other bodies as well? They have a good working relationship with the Ex-Prisoners Interpretative Centre, EPIC. Do they work together on particular issues? Does the witnesses' organisation have any engagement with the so-called dissidents, loyalist and republican?