Background

While the impact of such tragedies never really fades, further investigation of the issues involved may offer these deserving families a greater level of resolution.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has set up a new investigation team. Its sole job is to re-examine all deaths attributable to the security situation here between 1968 and 1998. This is one of the most difficult parts of our history. It holds many unanswered questions for bereaved families who lost loved ones during that time.

The Historical Enquiries Team hopes to help bring a measure of closure where possible to these families. It work sclosely with them and on their behalf to a modern, professional policing standard.

The scale of this historical case review is unprecedented. No one has ever tried to work through such a complex group of unsolved cases, spanning a period of over 30 years.

Of course, the impact of such tragedies never fades. However, further investigation of the issues involved may offer these deserving families a greater level of resolution. It will be painstaking and complex work.

It has to be conducted with great sensitivity. It is a massive challenge for everyone involved. But, it is one that can and should be undertaken.