Mr John Wilson, the Southern head of the Victims Commission set up to listen to and help victims of the conflict as part of the peace process, has appealed to people injured in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of May 1974 or their relatives to come forward and discuss their experiences.
In a statement yesterday Mr Wilson praised the victims who had already come forward and invited those who had been injured in the bombings or other acts of violence to meet him.
He pointed out that about 400 people were injured in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings when some 33 people were killed by four car bombs believed to have been planted by the Ulster Volunteer Force. He said: "While many of these suffered relatively minor injuries, physically, a good many would also have suffered relatively serious injuries. Those injured and their families would have distinct needs and different concerns to the bereaved. I would very much like to hear more from injured victims about how they feel these needs have been met."
Mr Wilson said he would like to hear the victims' own perspectives on the quality of medical care they had received and to discuss issues such as the management of chronic pain, special housing and mobility needs, rehabilitation services and the broader effect their injuries had had on their lives. He also wished to hear from people about support for care in the home and respite services for carers.