Shooting victims' families to meet minister

Family representatives of 11 people killed by British soldiers in west Belfast almost 40 years ago will today meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin.

The Ballymurphy shootings took place during the early days of internment in August 1971.

During his visit to Belfast, Mr Martin will also hold talks with the family of Damien Walsh, who was gunned down by loyalists in the city in 1993.

Cross-community groups will also sit down with the Minister, including representatives from 174 Trust, the Ballybeen Improvement Group, and Youth Action Northern Ireland.

Mr Martin said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with community and youth groups in Belfast.

“The work of these groups at grassroots level plays a vital role in overcoming sectarianism and in promoting respect and tolerance.

“I look forward to seeing at first hand the work of these groups and to hearing of the challenges they face on a daily basis.”

Mr Martin said the Irish Government was committed to providing support to reconciliation projects in the North.