Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I join with others in welcoming the release of Ingrid Betancourt. I compliment those who raised the issue in this House. We have played our role in that regard by making people aware of the existence of this fine lady and what she must have been suffering. I also welcome the release of other hostages. I hope that a firm message is sent to people who use hostage taking as a military activity. It must be the lowest and most brutal form of military activity. The civilised world must make it clear that under no circumstances does it serve any cause.

We should highlight other issues regarding people in captivity. It is easy for them to be overlooked. We should allocate a certain amount of time to human rights issues on a regular basis because it is clear that the Seanad has been a potent agency. Unfortunately, we tend to focus on issues that have already been highlighted in the media, such as the Middle East and Guantanamo Bay. They disappear off the radar very quickly. I am still convinced that we are listened to, that embassies and agencies in this country and elsewhere are monitoring what is being said. We might take it as a priority role in the future to highlight these issues.

It is good to see the sense of relief among ordinary decent people at the release. It shows they are conscious of what is happening. They have no voice and depend on us to give that voice. We can be an exceptionally powerful and honest powerbroker in this regard because of the country we are. We can feel happy at the role we played in this case.