Sinn Féin TD Sean Crowe has stated that it is not good enough that the British Government has yet to address the Haass recommendations.

Deputy Crowe made the comments following a presentation in Leinster House today from the author of the book ‘Lethal Allies’ and Anne Cadwallader and Margaret Urwin of Justice for the Forgotten.

Sean Crowe TD said:

“The conflict is over, but the legacy of conflict remains with us all. The pain, the suffering and the tragedies from decades of conflict are, for many, as real today as they were, when they first occurred. Hardly a month goes by that we are not faced with an anniversary of a past tragedy. Each such occasion evokes painful memories as we approach the 40thAnniversary of the Dublin Monaghan bombings

“For years the issue of collusion between unionist paramilitaries and elements of the British military was dismissed as propaganda. The work of the Pat Finucane Centre and Justice for the forgotten demonstrates that this was real, sanctioned and covered up. It was not restricted to the north but also led directly to killings and bombing across Dublin, Monaghan and Louth.

“The evidence of collusion between loyalist and British Military personnel is compelling.

“The issue of collusion, failure to investigate and the lack of any independent and comprehensive truth recovery process continues to impact on families across Ireland. These victims, like all victims are entitled to equality of rights and respect regardless of the circumstance of their loss or where their loved ones were killed.

“There are different approaches and supports to victims North and South. Victims in this state can access the services of the Police Ombudsman in the North but not in the South. Victims in the North can draw on Victims Commissioners, Victims Forum and dedicated funding and supports. Similar provisions do not apply in the South for victims or their representative group.

“Victims of the conflict deserve respect and equality of provision regardless of circumstance and where they reside. Victims in this state have been forgotten and their rights set aside. There is a need for the Irish government to put right this injustice and there is a need for the British Government to live up to their responsibilities regarding their role in the past conflict.

“The Irish government along with Sinn Féin has endorsed the recommendations of the Haass process to aid the victims and survivors of conflict. The British Government has yet to address the recommendations of Richard Haass. That is not good enough.”