Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is wonderful to be here to hear what the witnesses have to say. Their statements have been inspiring. I am very happy and warmly welcome them. I send my condolences to the Rev. Clements on the passing of his mother this week and on the death of his father.

The intergenerational trauma of the conflict has been horrific on victims. I have heard down through the years on both sides what it has been like. The grief, pain and trauma gets carried on to the next generations. That is why this is such an important session to discuss these issues. I thank the witnesses for coming in to share their experience and expertise. There have been many references to reconciliation. It is an essential process and principle, no matter what the constitutional future of the island is. That is important to recognise.

The Rev. Dr. Hamilton mentioned in his submission that there is no agreed-upon definition or descriptor of what reconciliation is and what it would look like in the specific context of Ireland. Will he lay out what he thinks it should be? I share his desire to see a better British-Irish relationship and deeper North-South co-operation. These things require partnership and working together always. That can be sometimes difficult. What does he think the Irish Government can do to foster reconciliation and bring people together?

I found the part of Ms Jardine and the Rev. Dr. Kane's submission about the decade of centenaries and the commemoration done by their church fascinating. How can we encourage a culture of commemoration and remembrance that is open-minded, informative and questioning, not prescriptive and reductive?

I thank the witnesses again for their fantastic opening statements.