Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis on Taoiseach as ucht an freagra a thabhairt. My question is on Government files. I recently wrote to the Taoiseach following revelations that the British army and RUC special branch used waterboarding in the North during the 1970s. This was uncovered when the Pat Finucane Centre revealed that Government papers from London had revealed the use of waterboarding as a torture technique and that it continued after the British Government claimed it had ended. British Government files revealed that the then Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, raised a specific case with the British Prime Minister of the day, Ted Heath.

I have asked the Taoiseach to release the Government's minutes. We have only the British Government's version of the meeting. It is obviously in the public interest. Although it happened so long ago, it is an issue of current importance. I also urge the Taoiseach to ensure the Government undertakes a review of files in other Departments dealing with the North to identify any other information which may be available to the Government about the use of torture. Given that the Taoiseach of the day felt strong enough to raise the issue, one wonders what happened afterwards and whether it was pursued How did the Government of the day and subsequent Governments deal with this important issue?

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