Bradley leads Disappeared Debate

The Assembly has agreed to debate the plight of the Disappeared on Monday, October 11, 2010 as yet the time has not been confirmed. The debate will be led by SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley. It will be attended by the Families of The Disappeared, the Commissioner for The Disappeared and the Victims Commissioners

The motion to be debated is as follows: That this Assembly acknowledges the continuing suffering of the families of the Disappeared, pledges its support for them and for the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains, and calls on all groups and individuals who have any knowledge of the location of victims' remains to bring that information in confidence to the Commission without further delay.

Dominic Bradley said: “I will lead the debate, and Margaret Ritchie and Patsy Mc Glone will also speak in the debate. It is expected that every other party in the Assembly will participate in the debate. I will ensure in as much as I can that the debate is conducted in a non-contentious manner.

“I want to echo the message which came from the Armstrong family after Charlie's wake and funeral and to keep it to the fore of people' minds that further information is needed. I also believe that at this time that it is important to highlight the work of the Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains.

“The issue of The Disappeared will not and must not be allowed to fade into the background. Anyone who attended the funeral of Charlie Armstrong will understand the importance of allowing the Armstrong family to recover their loved one and to finally begin to come to terms with their loss and to attempt to find some sort of closure through giving him a dignified Christian funeral. There are still six families waiting to recover the remains of their loved ones including the the families of Crossmaglen man Gerard Evans and Newry man Seamus Ruddy. It is essential that these families are supported in their plight and that their cause is highlighted until information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining disappeared is passed to the authorities and the remains are recovered.”