Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Senator Leyden's comments on RTE, which has done the nation and human rights a great service. Its investigation into torture in Northern Ireland was meticulous. Without that work, the torture would have been forgotten. It is important that no state can feel immune where torture and war crimes are concerned. Such things are counterproductive in Northern Ireland. The history of torture down the decades has led to a feeling that the vulnerable will not be protected or vindicated.

When people are in captivity, they are particularly vulnerable. In a time of conflict, the net can be spread wide. For this reason, innocent people will always suffer. The House debated the Palestinian situation. There is no doubt but that Israel committed war crimes. It is important that the influence, contacts or power that a state has are not used to prevent it from being held accountable. Where sanctions are required, they should be imposed. The issue of torture in Northern Ireland has been hanging around for a long time. It can be brought to a conclusion and those responsible held accountable. As long as the issue remains, it will add to the difficulties experienced on this island.