Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for his positive answer. He referred to the original details such as inhumane and degrading treatment. What emerged in early 2013, through declassified documents which the British Government had tried to hide from European Court of Human Rights, was that there was an existence of the interrogation centre in Ballykelly. In other words, lies were told to the European Court of Human Rights.

There is further evidence that this was a policy at the highest level which the then British Prime Minister, Secretary of Defence, and Home Secretary knew about. The Irish Government did fulfil its role. However, we are approaching 40 years since the events and the men are still waiting for justice. In the meantime, four of them have passed away. When one meets them, one realises the extent of their suffering, both physical and mental.

For how much longer will this go on? Surely this ticks all the boxes to be considered a priority case by the European court, considering the ages of the men involved, the new evidence and the length of time it has taken so far. Are we proactive in ensuring this can be heard by the European Court of Human Rights? Is the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade confident it will be heard in the near future?

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