Other areas of impact

Socio-economic issues

The exact impact of the conflict on the economy was diicult to quantify through our consultation and research. The Group heard stories of businesses lost through bomb explosions; of people being put out of business; of people getting business from only one side of the community, or only being able to access services in one side of the community. The Group was also told of high security costs; of extortion; of harassment, bullying and unfairness in the workplace; of the brain drain from Northern Ireland; and of how the violence discouraged tourism and investment.

In more recent times, there has been a recognisable sea-change in our fortunes, although the present economic downturn will slow this progress. Many pointed to the recent investment conference as evidence that local politicians have our economic well being at the forefront of their minds. But those the Group engaged with also noted that the economic well-being is not being felt by all. It needs to touch the most vulnerable parts of Northern Ireland where the damage of the past was most keenly felt.

REFLECTIONS

Economic success and the resulting benefits can lead to the pretence that the past is ‘past and gone’. Such success can exploit the human tendency to believe that all is well when it is not. Any process for dealing with the past in Northern Ireland needs to meaningfully address the economic, as well as the social legacy of the conflict. How the economy is built in the future, particularly in time of recession, and the social impacts of a successful economy should be part of the considerations if new divisions are not to be set up and reinforced.

At this time of economic hardship there is a need for training in skills for relevant employment, particularly in economically deprived areas. Equally, there is a need to encourage the many who left Northern Ireland, as part of the brain drain during the conflict, to return and use their economic and business skills to assist our economy.

The Group recommends that the Legacy Commission, proposed in Chapter 7, working through the Reconciliation Forum with other relevant bodies, acts as a determined champion to keep attention focused on the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland to ensure that the economic benefits experienced across post-conflict Northern Ireland are equally experienced in deprived areas.

Exiles

During the consultation the plight of those exiled from Northern Ireland was raised.

While for obvious reasons exact figures are hard to establish, it is estimated that around 4,600 people were exiled from Northern Ireland over the period 1980 to 2005. Most have not returned to Northern Ireland, largely because of fear of reprisal. Many others who have put down roots elsewhere have no desire to return.

Local politicians have recognised the importance of dealing properly with the issue, some demanding that before anything is done with respect to ‘on the runs’ there must be “guarantees that those ‘exiled’ by the paramilitaries can return to Northern Ireland in safety”.

REFLECTIONS

Aside from the organisations delivering guarantees that those exiled can return safely, further discussions are required with the relevant agencies and authorities about a repatriation programme for those who wish to return to Northern Ireland.

Clear leadership is needed in promoting the debate on this issue across the various agencies and ensuring that any actions identiied are implemented. The CVSNI has identified a need to reach out to victims and survivors of the conflict. In discussions with the CVSNI it is clear that this includes those exiled from Northern Ireland.

The Group recommends that the Legacy Commission, proposed in Chapter 7, supports the CVSNI in their endeavours to address this issue.

Conflict-Related Convictions

In the course of the consultation a number of people drew attention to the difficulties experienced by those with conflict-related convictions. In particular, ex-prisoner groups noted that applying for jobs, obtaining a mortgage and even lesser forms of credit are problematic where the applicant has a criminal record. Many expressed a desire to put their past, and the actions they committed as part of paramilitary organisations, behind them and to lead normal lives. Some wanted to give something
worthwhile back to their community. The implications of their criminal record for conflict-related offences make it difficult to secure a permanent occupation and so provide for their family.

REFLECTIONS

The Group is persuaded that more should be done to allow those with conflict-related convictions to become integrated into society by affording them equality of access to jobs, goods and services. Many have played active and positive roles in conflict transformation.

In particular the Group took account of the indings of the Quigley-Hamilton working group established to address this issue. The basic principle of the working group’s main report, as set out in the employer’s guidance, is that:
“any conviction for a conflict-related offence that pre-dates the Good Friday
Agreement (April 1998) should not be taken into account unless it is materially relevant to the employment being sought.”

This guidance, which was issued prior to the restoration of devolution, advises that a tripartite review panel would review the operation of the guidance after a period of 18 months. It goes on to state that:
“If there is evidence that the voluntary arrangement is demonstrably not working it is the view of the Government that the voluntary arrangement should be put on a statutory basis.”

The Group understands that the tripartite review panel has not yet been fully established and, therefore, this review will not take place until 18 months after the formation of the panel. However, from perspectives presented to us during our consultation, the Group understands that the voluntary guidance is not being used by the vast majority of employers and as such there is a pressing need for new arrangements to address this.

The Group believes that the guidance produced by the Quigley-Hamilton working group effectively outlines parameters which, if properly utilised, would help prevent conflict-related convictions impinging on an individual’s ability to play a part in society, without taking the more controversial step of fully expunging their record.

The Group recommends that the guidance produced by the Quigley-Hamilton working group to eliminate discrimination against those with conflict-related convictions, should be incorporated into statute and made applicable to the provision of goods, facilities and services as well as recruitment.