28/11/2011

'Help Find Disappeared' Says Ministers

There has been a fresh call for information that might help locate the remains of terror victims abducted by the IRA, killed and secretly buried during the Troubles.

The cross-border initiative came as the Dáil Justice Minister Alan Shatter and Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Minister Hugo Swire met with the family members of the 'Disappeared' victims of paramilitary murders and with the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR).

The Ministers jointly expressed their sympathy to the families on their loss and their hope that the remains of those victims who have not yet been recovered can be returned to their loved ones.

Hugo Swire said: "The relatives of the Disappeared have suffered their loss for decades but have not given up hope for the return of their family members for a decent burial.

"I call on anyone with any information that could help to provide it to the Commission without delay. Any information given is strictly confidential and cannot by law be used for any other purpose."

The Irish Republic's Minister Shatter said: "The Commission's investigations are complicated and difficult, and information from the public is absolutely crucial to its work.

"Anyone with information about any of the cases of the Disappeared should contact the Commission's confidential telephone number or its PO Box address."

The Ministers also thanked the Commissioners and the Commission's staff for their work to date in recovering the remains of a number of paramilitary victims who had been buried in secret locations.

This has helped to bring closure for their families. The two Commissioners, Frank Murray and Sir Ken Bloomfield, confirmed that the current work programme of investigations to follow up on information received was almost completed and that further work is planned for next year.

Minister Shatter said: "The Commission has been successful in recovering the remains of eight of the victims and, thankfully, this has brought some comfort to their families.

"The Commission, with the support of the two Governments, has worked tirelessly for the families in recent years and we hope, for their sake, that it will be able to make further progress.

NIO Minister Swire said: "We recognise the continuing hurt and disappointment felt by those families whose loved ones have yet to be recovered to them.

"The work of the Commission is a very important example of successful cross-border co-operation and it plans to carry out further work next year."

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains was established by an intergovernmental agreement between the British and Irish Governments, signed on 27 April 1999, and by legislation enacted in the two jurisdictions.

The Department of Justice and Equality, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Office, provides financial support for the Commission.

(BMcC/GK)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

24 February 2016
'Significant Amount Of Work Still Outstanding' At Maghaberry Prison
An inspection of Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn has revealed it has 'stabilised' after a previous report found the facility had become unsafe for prisoners and staff. The second inspection, which was carried out in January this year, found some progress had been made, however a significant amount of work still remains outstanding.
29 September 2010
Gerry Evans 'Disappeared' Search Ended
The cross-border organisation that was set up to recover long-buried IRA terror victims - known as 'The Disappeared' - has confirmed it is calling off a search for a man missing since 1979.
26 June 2015
More Than One Body Found During Search For 'Disappeared' Joe Lynskey
More than one body is believed to have been discovered during the search for 'Disappeared' victim Joe Lynskey. Mr Lynskey was abducted and murdered by the IRA in 1972. The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains IVCLR) said a second body was found during the search at a site in Coghalstown, County Meath.
24 September 2002
SDLP emphasises 'important work' of Parades Commission
SDLP leader Mark Durkan and deputy leader Brid Rodgers today met with George Quigley, who is currently conducting a review of the work of the Parades Commission. Speaking at the meeting, Mr Durkan said the SDLP supported the Parades Commission and expected the review to recommend its continuance.
11 May 2017
Human Remains Found In France Confirmed To Be Seamus Ruddy
Human remains found in a forest in France have been confirmed as Disappeared victim Seamus Ruddy. Mr Ruddy, from Newry, was 32 when he was abducted and killed by the INLA in Paris, 1985. The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has confirmed his body was found at Pont-de-l´Arche near Rouen in northern France.