The leading churchman tasked with finding a solution as to how Northern Ireland should deal with the legacy of the Troubles has warned against attempts to restrict financial support for victims.

Former Church of Ireland Archbishop Dr. Robin Eames jointly chairs a consultative group currently studying how the North should deal with the aftermath of the Troubles.

However, responding to recent criticism over the cost of funding for public inquiries such as the Bloody Sunday Tribunal, the former Church of Ireland Archbishop said, "Outside the victims sector there are many who would wish the past away; who believe that if we simply throw money at meeting the physical and emotional needs of victims then they should be happy, should go away and allow the rest of society to get on with the future.

"Dealing with the past is not just about victims; it is about our entire society.

"If we are to truly deal with our past, of course we must look after the well-being of those who have suffered most. But to stop there, is to stop far short of actually dealing with the fundamental issues that led to our society ripping itself apart over the last 40 years."

Rejecting recent criticism of the money that has already been spent on funding public inquiries, Eames said, "Some argue that enough money has been spent on dealing with the past and that nothing more should be done.

"They say that the current processes should simply be allowed to run their course. If we base dealing with the past solely on how much it will cost in financial terms then we will be making a huge error of judgment."

However, Eames admitted that Northern Ireland could find itself still dealing with the past in 35 years, unless an alternative solution to dealing with the past is found.

"We do not believe the current legal processes are the best way to deal with the legacy of the conflict. So we either find a better way or we let these processes continue for many years to come."

Insisting that his group's report, which is due to be published in the New Year, would seek to find ways to "finally close this violent chapter in our history," he said, "Not everyone will agree with everything in it - that would be unrealistic.

"But for anyone to dismiss it because this is just too difficult to deal with, or because it would cost too much, would be the biggest insult to the thousands of people, ordinary people like you, who suffered over the last 40 years."