The nearest relative of someone who died as a result of the conflict in and about Northern Ireland, from January 1966, should receive a one-off ex-gratia recognition payment of £12,000.
The Commission for Victims and Survivors for Northern Ireland (CVSNI) should address the needs and concerns of victims and survivors, devoting attention to services, funding, healthcare needs and compensation.
An independent Legacy Commission should be established with the aim of promoting peace and stability. It should be given a bursary of £100 million to tackle issues.
The commission’s mandate would be for a fixed period of five years.
The chair of the Legacy Commission should be an International Commissioner, who would work with two other commissioners.
A Reconciliation Forum should be established to tackle issues arising from the conflict including addressing sectarianism; promoting remembering activities; working with young people; providing improved services for healthcare needs; ensuring an even spread of economic benefits; and helping those exiled during the conflict to return.
The Legacy Commission should engage specifically with the Christian Churches to encourage them to review and rethink their contribution to a non-sectarian future in the light of their past, particularly in the area of education.
A new independent unit dealing with historical cases would be created within the Legacy Commission, backed by police powers.
There would be no new public inquiries. The question whether to proceed with the promised Finucane Inquiry is a matter for the British Government but the issues raised by this case could be dealt with by the Legacy Commission.
The Legacy Commission should, through the Reconciliation Forum, support CVSNI in facilitating the telling of stories about the impact of the conflict on individuals and communities.
Full support should be given by to the continuation of the annual Day of Reflection on June 21st each year.
Each year, on or around that time, the First Minister and deputy First Minister should together make a keynote address to the Assembly and invited guests, reflecting on the past in a positive way and confirming their commitment to lead Northern Ireland towards a shared and reconciled future.
Mary Minihan