Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 6 February 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement

Discussion with Commissioner for Victims and Survivors

12:15 pm

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail)
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I thank both delegates for coming. It is an awesome challenge that they must face and I have no words on how difficult it will be. The definition of "victim" was a contentious issue in the Haass report and Ms Stone said it was an issue the main political parties could not resolve. Therefore, she faces a question mark, which it is interesting to know. In her presentation she said, "I was heartened by the commitment to ensuring that victims and survivors have timely access to high-quality mental health services that focus on the often-complex psychological needs of individuals and families affected by the Troubles." Does the commissioner think the system will be able to deliver this?