It has been confirmed that remains found in Co Antrim last month were those of Peter Wilson, one of the Disappeared.
The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains has received the results of DNA tests.
Mr Wilson was 21 when he went missing from his home in west Belfast in 1973.
He is believed to have been abducted and killed by the IRA.
Mr Wilson's body has now been released to his family and his funeral will take place on Friday.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern welcomed the confirmation and said that his thoughts were with the Wilson family at this time.
The minister also thanked the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains, whose project team recovered the remains.
In a statement from the Wilson family, they said Peter was a much-loved son and brother.
'When he went missing we were left not knowing what had happened.
'He was very close to our mother and we know she suffered in silence for the 34 years of her life that he was missing.
'In January 2009 we were told that Peter was dead and the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) confirmed in October 2009 that his death fell within their remit as one of the disappeared.
'We had to wait until the 2nd November 2010 some 37 years after he went missing when his body was found after a short search at Waterfoot beach Co Antrim.
'We are comforted that we will finally be able to bring him home for Christian burial in order that he may rest in peace.'
