Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. O'Gorman and Ms Seely. I thank them for giving us one hell of a jolt and for reminding us of man's inhumanity to man. I have not had the opportunity to read the report, Torture in 2014: 30 Years of Broken Promises. The opening words from the Secretary General of electric shocks, beatings, rape, humiliation, mock executions, burning, sleep deprivation and long hours in contorted positions paints a frightening picture of what is happening in many parts of the world.

The picture of what is happening in Egypt is particularly horrific with the very significant numbers of people who have been sentenced to death. In the course of the presentation, it was stated that since 2011, only one execution has been carried out. Can we take comfort from the fact that this is the case and, while death sentences have been passed, they may be reversed and may not be carried through?

I am conscious of the wonderful work done by Amnesty in highlighting human rights abuses throughout the world over a long period. What impact do the significant Amnesty reports have with the international community?

Like Deputy Smith, I also wonder if enough is being done at EU level to address the very serious problems in the countries that were mentioned in the report. What would Amnesty like this committee to do as a matter or urgency? What can we do in practical terms? It is wonderful that we have had the submission from Amnesty but given the enormity of the problem that warrants action, what can we do and what concrete steps can we take?