The HET is investigating all unresolved or disputed killings throughout the Troubles.

Mr Saulters said the HET were carrying out a very important function.

He added: "We have recently seen the debacle over the Eames-Bradley Report and their failure to understand the difference between the perpetrators and the victims of violence.

"There was also the offensive recommendation that the families of every single person who died in the Troubles should receive compensation. That recommendation made no distinction between the paramilitaries and the rest of our community.

"The Orange Order knows all about the grief caused by terrorism. More than 330 Orangemen died in the Troubles. Many of them were serving in the security forces at the time, some were going about their normal routine and some were even murdered while attending Orange meetings.

"One-tenth of the people who died in the Troubles were Orangemen, so we believe we have a right to speak up on their behalf."

Mr Saulters said experience showed that the public wanted the kind of resolution the HET could offer and encouraged people to engage with the team.

"Our research has shown that these families do not want blood money. They want people convicted for the murders of their loved ones and they also want to know the truth about what happened.

"Members of the unionist and Protestant community have been slow to engage fully with the HET and I would strongly urge them to be more positive about what they are trying to achieve and support them where possible."

He said access to the truth was needed for closure for relatives.

Mr Saulters added: "The work of HET will not bring back those who died but it will bring an understanding of the circumstances and may, in a small way, reduce the pain and suffering endured by so many families.

"We will continue to work with HET to ensure that there is a proper perspective on the history of the Troubles and I would personally encourage people in our community to do likewise."