Victims' Group Meets NIO Secretary

The official Consultative Group on the Past is meeting NIO Secretary, Shaun Woodward today ahead of hosting its first public discussion forum in Belfast.

The group, which is co-chaired by former Church of Ireland Primate Lord Robin Eames and former Policing Board Vice-Chair Denis Bradley, is holding seven consultation sessions for the general public this month.

The meetings will give people a chance to contribute to the ongoing process of formulating a strategy to address the hurt arising from 35 years of conflict.

Speaking before the meeting with Mr Woodward, Denis Bradley said: "The two governments have a vital role to play in dealing with the past. This is a huge and complex task we have undertaken but we are determined to find a way through this issue and to publish our report in the summer.

"We have already met with dozens of interested groups and individuals and have heard many differing views on how we can deal with the legacy of the Troubles.

The Belfast session is to be followed by other meetings in Londonderry, Bangor, Ballymena, Enniskillen, Armagh and Omagh over the coming weeks.

Mr Bradley said the meetings were an important part of the consultation process.

"Since beginning our consultation in September we have met with a range of groups and individuals to listen to their views on how we can deal with our troubled past," he continued.

"We have also learned of the good work that has already taken place on this issue and we are determined to build upon that."

The independent group was set up by former Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain.

Its aim is to provide a platform for people to express their opinions on how to deal with the trauma caused by the Troubles.

(BMcC)