Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Eames-Bradley report is somewhat outside the remit of these questions also, but I will try to be helpful. I commend the group on the extraordinary effort it put into its difficult task, and particularly the widespread consultations in which it engaged during the course of its work. Finding consensus or any agreed way forward around issues coming out of a conflict is very difficult, if not impossible, given the depth of hurt and suspicion still there. The report itself covers such themes as the legacy of the past, reconciliation, support for victims and survivors, addressing society issues and justice and information recovery. I would not like to give a detailed response on the report as yet. The issues with which it deals are complex and require detailed consideration.

With regard to the question of payments to families, this is a lengthy report on very complex issues that has been prepared by people of impeccable credentials over 18 months. It would be premature for me to comment on aspects of the report in isolation, without giving full consideration to all its recommendations. It has always been the Government's position that there should not be a hierarchy of victims. The loss of a loved one affects those left behind equally.

However, I understand the depth of feeling in Northern Ireland on the issue of payments to families of all those who died as a result of the conflict. I note that the First Minister and others have expressed reservations about a proposal that would, potentially, see payments to families of perpetrators as well as to victims of atrocities. I understand that point of view. It is an issue we need to consider further.

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