The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has welcomed the establishment of a new group on dealing with the past in Northern Ireland.
The former Church of Ireland primate, Robin Eames, and the former Vice Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Denis Bradley, have been appointed to draw up proposals on how Northern Ireland should come to terms with the legacy of the Troubles.
The two men were appointed by Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain after consultation with the North's First Minister, Ian Paisley, and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness.
They will co-chair a small independent consultative group aimed at helping both the unionist and nationalist communities come to terms with the violent past.
Lord Eames and Mr Bradley's eight-member panel, which includes former Irish rugby international Willie John McBride and former Armagh GAA captain Jarlath Burns, is to report back within 14 months.
Individual inquiries into controversial killings, investigations by the police historical inquiries' team and the police ombudsman, and broader inquiries such as the Saville inquiry have compartmentalised elements of the Troubles but lack the all-inclusive approach now being sought.
A truth and reconciliation commission is just one of the many options likely to be raised with the consultation group, which expects thousands of submissions including contributions from individuals who lost family members, victims' representatives and paramilitary groups.
The restoration of devolution has made such a consultation process possible but dealing with the legacy of the past remains a daunting task.
The Taoiseach said he very much welcomed the setting up of this group.
'Archbishop Eames and Denis Bradley are individuals of great experience and judgement,' he said. 'I am sure that the group they chair will make a very valuable contribution in reflecting on this enormously important and difficult issue.'
