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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amnesty International Report.

Human rights in Northern Ireland

Summary

Blaney asked whether Ireland was securing international support for highlighting human-rights abuses in Northern Ireland, particularly in Long Kesh’s H Block. Lenihan said the matter was being pursued through government discussions; the Chair ruled it outside the Singapore question.

Whilst I agree fully with the Minister that his Government and previous Governments have played more than a full part in regard to the establishment of human rights or, indeed, in regard to complaining about the denial of human rights in all parts of the world, I should like to know whether the Minister is getting this support from other countries in these two institutions, the EEC and the UN, in directing the spotlight on the denial of human rights in our own country, particularly in the north-east of the country and in H Block of Long Kesh?

Comment on this

That is a separate question, Deputy. That is a matter which has already been taken up by the Taoiseach and by me with Mr. Atkins and which will be part of a whole discussion between the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister——

Comment on this
Seán Browne An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

This does not arise on this question.

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——in a few weeks' time.

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In view of the resolutions now before the EEC, the Parliament and in committee and in view of the fact that the support of the members of the various parties, and particularly the Government party, might be given to these resolutions looking for a cessation of the denial of human rights in the north-east of the country——

Comment on this
Seán Browne An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

This question refers only to Singapore.

Comment on this

I understand that this can best be dealt with by intergovernmental discussions. Candidly, I do not regard a resolution passed in the European Parliament—while helpful in its own way—as being really germane to dealing with the matter as a governmental discussion.

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I know the Minister is not doing much about it. He has said that much.

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