Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I was reading earlier about a man I had never heard of previously named Baha Mousa. He was killed by the British army in 2003 during the Iraq war as a direct contribution of the same five techniques. After the inquiry in 2011, then Prime Minister, David Cameron, said we must ensure this never happens again. I think he was forgetting something.

We have the most horrendous example of human rights abuses carried out on these men. Nearly 50 years later, we are still waiting for justice. It is highly significant that Members across this Chamber, and I include my colleagues in Fine Gael, have called clearly for the Government to pursue this case. It would be shameful if legal excuses are used. It would be shameful if these families are forced to go to the High Court again.

It has been a frustrating couple of days. Yesterday, we were discussing the horrendous abuses and murder in Palestine yet, unfortunately, the Government was making fine speeches about not taking any action. It would be shameful if the Government does not follow the advice of Senators O'Reilly and Feighan and pursue this case. I hope that when we get the Minister of State to clarify the position he will indicate that. He should not tell us about the problems. He should tell us that we will overcome those problems and that this appeal will be lodged.

I have another comment to make, and I say this out of regret and not anger. Where are the Labour Party Members this evening? We are talking about the most egregious abuse of human rights in this State and they are not even here.I cannot get over that. We have strong unity here this evening, and rightly so. However, I ask that there be no illusion about the Government doing whatever is required in this case. It will never be allowed to forget about it. Let us stand together for humanity, human rights, Liam Shannon and the families. Let us stand by them and support the motion in full.