Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 590: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has appointed a forensic archaeologist or other person of like expertise to help locate the disappeared from the IRA troubles; when the work will start on this difficult project; if he has received an assurance from Sinn Féin that support will be forthcoming for this end in order that the relatives of the disappeared can bring Christian burial and closure to the ordeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22182/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Earlier this year, the Commission for the Location of Victim's Remains submitted its third report to both Governments. In response, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Peter Hain, MP and I wrote a joint letter to the commission proposing the appointment of a forensic sciences consultant to conduct a review of the searches to date and an evaluation if more could now be done. That person would also be available to receive further information in relation to the location of remains should this become available.

The key to the recovery of the remains lies within the republican movement, and while I am aware of public comments by Sinn Féin representatives in recent weeks, I obviously cannot say if reliable further information about the location of remains will be forthcoming.

Yesterday, I received a response from the commission which has indicated its satisfaction with the review, in principle and I expect a suitably qualified person to be appointed shortly.

I am deeply aware of the long-standing anxiety and suffering of the families of the disappeared and I do not wish to add anything that might create unrealistic expectations at this stage, especially in light of the fact that thorough searches of vast amounts of land have taken place unsuccessfully previously. Both Governments remain committed to doing all that is in their power to assist and support the families concerned.