Minister for Justice Simon Harris, accompanied by the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys today visited the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains search site in Bragan Bog in Co Monaghan.
The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains is responsible for facilitating the location of the remains of the disappeared and is currently searching for the remains of Columba McVeigh at Bragan bog.
Columba McVeigh was abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA in 1975.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Minister Harris revealed that earlier this month, he met with the families of the Disappeared and heard how, for decades, they had to endure a cruel experience, facing not only the tragedy and injustice of losing a loved one, but also not knowing where that loved one was buried or if they might be recovered.
He added that the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains, with the support of the Irish and British Governments, continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the families of the Disappeared and that the Government is "deeply committed" to continue supporting the efforts being made to locate those who have not yet been found.
Also speaking to Northern Sound, Minister Humphreys said; "It’s nearly 50 years now since Columba McVeigh was murdered and all the evidence points to his remains being buried in Bragan Bog. Somebody out there knows what happened to this young man.
"I’d ask them to come forward with any information about this case so that we can bring closure to what has been a long running and deeply traumatic experience for the family of Columba McVeigh."
