Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am caught in a catch-22, and am in moral bind on this issue. I was at one with Senator Jim Walsh in trying to express the views of this committee, having heard the witness describe the circumstances under which this man died in prison. It strikes to the core of this committee's work that a human rights issue is involved. I wish to separate completely the issue of the subsequent letter from the embassy as this only dilutes and distorts the point I want to make.

I wanted this issue handled as a human rights issue on behalf of an individual who died in circumstances that can be interpreted by some as murder or medical neglect by others. Having said that I also noted the fact that the European Parliament through its human rights committee had engaged with the Russians on this issue. At the previous meeting I asked the committee if it would agree to write to the European Parliament for a synopsis of what the committee had discussed, discovered and recommended. I understand the EU committee made recommendations on 23 October 2012 but I think it is still considering this issue. I contacted the rapporteur, Ms Barbara Lochbihler, and I still think we should send a formal letter to her. I would like to think that we should liaise and link up with the other parliamentarians who are trying to address this rather complex issue. In a nutshell, I want to separate my personal views about the ambassador's letter, as we should not allow that letter to blind us as to our responsibilities in stating support for a human rights issue.