Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before we call on Mr. O'Gorman to reply, I think it goes without saying that he has outlined an horrific list of cases which, by virtue of their individuality, strike a chord with people more than statistics can. I compliment him on his comprehensive presentation.

The other fact that strikes people is the number of locations where people sink to the depths of depravity to take revenge on their fellow human beings, neighbours and community.

They are spread across the world and include Syria, Iraq, Libya, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The list is legion and the position is appalling.

A number of members asked what the international community can do. While the joint committee may not be able to do much, we should try to engage with the ambassadors or chargés d'affaires of the relevant countries, with a view to highlighting the atrocities and challenging them. If no one intervenes or tells people that this is not the way things are done, they will obviously get the impression that the lust for war and blood will be allowed to continue unabated. We need to do something.

The joint committee should also liaise with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with a view to using our influence internationally, through the European Union and United Nations, to focus on the issues Amnesty International has brought to our attention. While we were aware of these matters, when they are presented in the manner in which Mr. O'Gorman has done, the impact is much greater. It gives us a worldwide picture, as it were, of where the most serious atrocities are taking place.