The bodies of the so-called disappeared will eventually be found and returned to their families, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said today.
He welcomed the decision by the two governments to seek a forensic expert to help find the remains of those killed and secretly buried by the IRA since the 1970s.
"I'm fairly certain, without raising expectations, that we will eventually get those remains and give them back to the families," he said in Dublin. "We have never stopped trying to help.
"I understand that this is a horrendously difficult issue, particularly for families who are being denied a funeral."
He said the idea for a forensic expert was suggested by Sinn Féin to the two governments over three years ago and that he had had the name of a suitable candidate for more than 14 months.
"I welcome that they have finally moved but there's a question mark as to why it took so long," Mr Adams said.
PA