Good Friday Committee to meet groups working with those affected by violence

The meeting will focus on engagement with groups working with those affected by violence in the North.

The following witnesses will attend:

•    Anne Cadwallader  /Pat Finucane Centre;
•    Margaret Urwin /Justice for the Forgotten;
•    Mike Ritchie / Relatives for Justice.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Chair, Kathleen Funchion TD, said today, “Over 3,500 people died during the Troubles. Tens of thousands were injured. Decades on, many important questions remain unanswered and suffering continues for countless family members and friends left behind. I am aware that the Government has engaged with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties on legacy issues, however due to the continued impasse on forming an Executive, no agreement has been reached. The Committee underlines the vital importance of finding a way forward, so that the framework of legacy institutions provided for under the Stormont House Agreement can be implemented.”

“Tomorrow’s meeting is the first in a series of meetings we will hold with groups and individuals working on legacy issues across all affected communities. These advocacy groups serve an invaluable function in assisting those bereaved or injured as a result of the Troubles. Our meetings will focus on the issues these groups face in delivering their services. The absence of a functioning Executive is a huge obstacle to tackling legacy issues and the Committee is anxious to see stability returned to the North as soon as possible.”

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