Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with what Senator Ivana Bacik said on the decision by the Government yesterday to reopen the case on torture in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. I commend the Government under the former Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, former Minister for Justice, Des O'Malley and Paddy Hillery, who was then Minister for Foreign Affairs, who had the courage of their conviction to take the original case on behalf of people who were tortured in Northern Ireland. The case was inconclusive from the point of view that torture was considered not to have taken place. The RTE investigative unit, which has had its difficulties over the years, has proven very successful in regard to the case. Excellent work was done by RTE. As the public service broadcaster, RTE has the resources and ability to highlight the case. The outcome of the case could have international repercussions. I am delighted the Government had the courage of its convictions yesterday to make the decision, because the deadline is Thursday, 4 December. The outcome will be watched by people throughout the world, including those connected with Guantanamo Bay, which was used for the purpose of torture, yet which was concluded not to have taken place in that case. The Israelis will also be interested in the outcome of the case in terms of claims of torture by Palestine. The case is very serious. I wish the team representing the case success in the European Court of Human Rights.