Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I echo the call made by the Taoiseach yesterday for anybody with information on the disappeared victims of the Troubles and conflict in Northern Ireland to come forward to the victims remains commission and give such information in confidence. It is barbaric that many people who have lost loved ones are not allowed to bring closure to their grief. They should be allowed to organise a decent burial for their loved ones. If we are to ensure lasting peace in Northern Ireland these legacy issues must be dealt with. It is time people who have vital information which could help trace these missing persons should provide it as a matter of urgency.

I also call on people in the South of Ireland who have information on the many unsolved murders we have in our country, particularly the murders of many young women in the Midlands over recent decades. We have some high-profile unsolved murders and if we have an opportunity in the autumn I would like the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to update us on the state of these inquiries. In some instances families have been grieving for decades. People North and South should be allowed to grieve with dignity and bring closure to their appalling loss.