Trevor Lunn MLA said: “This is a very significant day for the families and the wider community. An inquest held under current legislation will be far more demanding than one that was held around 40 years ago. At that time, military witnesses were not compelled to attend but now the power exists to demand their attendance.
“I hope that the inquests can now be arranged without undue delay. This will be the first official investigation into the events of 40 years ago, since the original inquests and investigation by the Royal Military Police, both of which are regarded as totally unsatisfactory.
“This is far from the end of the road but it is a major step forward and will certainly be an encouragement to the relatives.”
ENDS