A major report on the victims of the Northern conflict to be published today recommends the erection of a memorial building in the Border area as a tribute to all those from the Republic who died or suffered because of the Troubles.
The report of the Victims' Commission, chaired by the former Tanaiste, Mr John Wilson, and entitled A Place And A Name, also calls for an annual North-South "day of remembrance" to be declared in spring or early summer, for those who died in the conflict. It suggests that the remembrance day should be organised in consultation with the main churches and the bereaved.
It is understood that the report also calls for greater compensation, counselling and advice for victims of the Northern Troubles.
The Irish Times has learned that the Victims' Commission report, which was circulated to various Government Departments this week, runs to 80 pages and contains about 40 recommendations. It will be formally launched by Mr Wilson at the commission offices in Dublin this afternoon.
The report has been complete for two months but its publication was deferred due to the recent extended dig for the disappeared. The recommendations cover the key issues of emotional trauma and compensation for families. Truth, justice, medical issues and the economic affects of the Troubles are also dealt with in the document.
A commission source said last night the report stressed that the proposed memorial building should be functional and used to house an archive of victims' stories and art. The report makes it clear the building should be a place where survivors of the conflict and relatives of deceased could seek professional advice and counselling.
The cost of the building would be borne by both governments, and the Victims Commission report suggests a site somewhere in the Border area would be appropriate.
The commission was established by the Government for victims of violence. It is similar to the commission set up under Sir Kenneth Bloomfield in Northern Ireland in May of last year, to listen and help victims of the conflict as part of the peace process.
The commission chairman, Mr Wilson, has in the last year held discussions with all surviving victims of violence in the Republic, including survivors and relatives of those caught up in the bombings in Dundalk, Monaghan and Dublin. About 400 people were injured and 33 killed in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
The terms of reference of the commission included reviewing arrangements in place in the Republic to meet the needs of those who suffered as a result of violent actions over the past 30 years. The commission was asked to identify measures which needed to be taken to address the suffering and concerns of victims.
The commission was also asked to advise on how the support given to victims by their families can be acknowledged and sustained.
In his report last year, the Northern Ireland Victims Commissioner, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, also called for the erection of a memorial for the dead and injured and for an annual memorial day to honour victims.