Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes. Finally, I want to talk about the news that broke regarding the 14 hooded men. What a travesty. We have all spoken in this House about the legacy of Northern Ireland and the dividend of the peace process. There are legacy issues on all sides of this political debate. However, I am glad that we have seen today an apology to these 14 men, half of whom are now dead. It is a travesty. It is a terrible thing that should never have happened. I know I speak among colleagues and friends. I always say that in politics we advocate human rights; basic human rights for people. These human rights were infringed. It reminds us today, it we were to need reminding, that we must stop the British authorities in their endeavours regarding their policy direction on legacy issues. Today's apology is only one apology.Many more apologies are due. Who sanctioned these crimes? Who sanctioned the treatment of men who were held? We are talking about a sample of 14 out of many hundreds of people. I am not here to judge the rights and wrongs of it, except to condemn the abuse of human rights. I welcome further commentary, statement or debate in the House on this issue. Let us renew our resolve to use every force, be it in the US, Europe or Ireland, and our relationships between Britain, Northern Ireland and within these islands, to keep to the fore the issues of legacy and how we can address them in a mature and political way.