New forensic approach urged on ‘Disappeared’

Provisional IRA Volunteers accompanied a forensics expert to the burial sites of five victims whose remains were never recovered, the Sinn Féin President revealed on Monday.

Gerry Adams said he was hoping for progress on the issue and had urged the Government to publish the scientist’s recommendations. The report has been with the Dublin government since February.

As the issue of the five so-called “Disappeared” is again raised in the public domain, republicans remain suspiciois that the government has failed to genuinely tackle the issue for narrow political purposes.

Mr Adams said that the IRA had contacted relatives of four out of the five groups still seeking their loved ones. He said he was determined to resolve the issue.

“I wrote to Bertie Ahern on May 3rd (2006) seeking a copy of the report and I am still waiting for a response,” he added.

“He has made a number of recommendations in his report and we are hopeful that it could proceed, but the matter is with the Dublin Government.”

The English forensic expert has urged a “more coherent investigative approach” to the task.

Reports suggest the 26-County government will shortly approve the proposals for a new approach to locating the bodies.

Mr Adams said the forensic expert was appointed to work for the cross-Border Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains last summer.

“The IRA met the forensic expert seven times over a 10-month period,” said Mr Adams.

“There were detailed discussions and specific information was provided on the five outstanding places. The forensic expert, accompanied by the IRA, visited all the sites and at some of the sites they were accompanied by individuals with primary knowledge.”

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