Chief Constable Matt Baggott, Mitchell McLaughlin MLA, Sir Hugh Orde, Jackie McDonald and Kate Turner, Director of Healing Through Remembering were the panel at a meeting of a range of significant individuals discussing the issues of truth recovery was held last night.  The event was chaired by Brian Rowan.

The meeting was held by Healing Through Remembering, on the eve of the Day of Reflection, a day for reflecting on the conflict in and about Northern Ireland, with the aim of ensuring a peaceful future for all.

Healing Through Remembering has been at the forefront of the debate on this issue for a number of years.

Speaking about the meeting, Kate Turner, director of Healing Through Remembering, said:  “The eve of the Day of Reflection gives us an opportunity to reflect on the issue of truth recovery.  It is an opportunity to further inform the decision making process and builds on the discussions the organisation has been having with a variety of groups and individuals.

Given the decisions that the Secretary of State has said he is soon to make, the time is right for this debate.  HTR wanted to offer people this opportunity to share their views with others and hear other perspectives.”

Other individuals present at the discussion included those from victims’/survivors’ groups, security forces, ex-combatants, religious organisations and other NGOs.

Ms Turner said: “Any dialogue that takes place as part of this project is important, not just for those participating, but also for all of society.  How we deal with the past shapes the future, not only of this generation but also of those to come.”