A British Government study looking at ways to help the victims of violence in Northern Ireland is to be published on Wednesday.

The former head of the Northern Ireland civil service has been considering how to give greater recognition to those who have suffered from the Troubles.

Cap and gloves on a republican coffin

Sir Kenneth Bloomfield's report 'We Will Remember Them' was commissioned by the government after claims that more had been done for the perpetrators of violence rather than their victims.

A long-term programme of help for the victims of the 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland is likely to be Sir Kenneth's main recommendation.

He is also thought to favour the creation of a memorial garden for all victims at some point in the future.

About 3,600 people have died in the violence - 91% of them male, leaving grieving parents, widows and children.

Another 40,000 have been injured, many of them suffering permanent disabilities.

Sir Kenneth was asked to "look at possible ways to recognise the pain and suffering felt by victims of violence arising from the troubles of the last 30 years."

He said it had been a harrowing job, which had changed his life.

Sir Kenneth said: "In more than 45 years of public service, I have never been asked to undertake a task of such human sensitivity.

"The letters I have read and the stories I have heard in carrying out this work will be burned into my memory forever."

Sir Kenneth said he had encountered grief on an enormous scale but also courage and generosity of spirit.

The government is expected to respond favourably to the report.
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