Victims of violence in Northern Ireland should not be forgotten amid the heightened optimism created by the IRA move on decommissioning, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen.
"People are still grieving and waiting for closure. For some the wounds - physical and psychological will never heal. We do not forget them," he said.
In an address to the Seanad today, Mr Cowen said dedication to the achievement of lasting peace in Northern Ireland is the best way to honour those who grieve.
He also praised the courage of republicans and unionists and thanked the de Chastelain commission for their work overseeing decommissioning.
He said the Northern Executive is the democratic core of the Belfast Agreement and that all the North’s parties must reaffirm their commitment to the institutions.
In reference to the remains of the ten IRA volunteers given State funerals two weeks ago, Mr Cowen said they had finally been laid to rest with dignity and honour.
"Separated by them from many decades we can never really know the thoughts and convictions that individually motivated them. However, we can be certain that they shared a commitment to the right of Irish people to self-determination," he said.