THE assembly's deputy speaker has apologised to the families of the Disappeared after they were initially "locked out" from the steps of Stromont during their annual walk of remembrance.
East Derry assembly member John Dallat, who is one of three deputy speakers, said he was "embarrassed" by the debacle which saw the families faced with locked gates as they tried to lay a wreath on the steps of Parliament Buildings on Monday.
Every year, the relatives of those abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans during the Troubles take part in a `Silent Walk' from the statue of Edward Carson to the main assembly building.
Oliver McVeigh, whose 19-year-old brother Columba is among the 16 Disappeared, said Stormont staff had been told on Friday that the families would be taking part in the now annual event.
"What happened to their relatives is one of the biggest blights in out history. People were allowed to be `disappeared' and we weren't screaming from the rafters about them," he said.
"They are trying to do what everyone would love to do and bury their dead.
"The gates have been locked since Michael Stone got there but the assembly was aware that the Disappeared families were coming and to me I would make that the most important event in the calendar.
"It is disappointing that someone didn't take direct responsibility to ensure that they were able to progress unhindered. I know those people. They are good people and haven't had the support down through the years they should have had and we all need to feel guilty about that.
"I will be asking questions about why a member of staff wasn't given responsibility to make sure the gates were open.
"I am embarrassed and really would love to apologise for what happened for those reasons. I have often walked with them on previous years."
An assembly spokeswoman said: "There was a very short delay in opening the gates, which the Assembly regrets, however the families were granted access and were able to continue their walk, as in previous years."
