The English Supreme Court has ruled that the PSNI’s decision to discontinue an investigation into the internment and torture of the hooded men was illegal. Hundreds were interned and some were subject to beatings, sleep deprivation, extreme psychological torment and denied food and water. That is torture in my book. This was sanctioned by the British Cabinet, just like the killing of Pat Finucane was sanctioned. There are a number of legacy issues here but Boris Johnson’s Government seems determined to ignore basic human rights obligations. Will the Minister reassure us that his Government will demand a fully independent investigation and will pressure the British Government to abide by international law and the agreements to which it has signed up, including the New Decade, New Approach agreement?

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The Government welcomes the decision of the UK Supreme Court this morning in respect of the hooded men case. We will, of course, study the findings of that judgment very carefully. I am sure the Deputy will be aware that in the course of their campaign, the Government has met and engaged with the men and, indeed, has supported their case, including as it was brought to the European Court of Human Rights. I have no doubt the Taoiseach will now follow up on this issue at the highest level with the British Government.