asked the Minister for External Affairs what steps Ireland has taken, or intends to take, to quicken a return to popular Government in Greece; and if he will state his attitude to reports of the use of torture by the military regime and any information he has on the subject giving details of the sources of his information.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland's Attitude on Greece.
5.
As the Deputy will be aware from my reply of the 4th July last to a question on fundamental human rights and democracy in Greece certain Governments, parties to the European Convention for the protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, have alleged that the present Greek Government has violated its obligations under the Convention.
The substance of these allegations is at present being examined by the European Commission of Human Rights, which has decided that the case against the Greek Government should be given precedence over other applications before it. The Commission is empowered to draw up a report stating its opinion as to whether there has been a breach of the Convention by the Government of Greece. It would, in my view, be inappropriate for Ireland to take any steps in the matter pending the report of the Commission which will fall to be considered by the Committee of Ministers. The Deputy is, of course, aware that the policy of the Government is to do all we can to promote democratic processes in all parts of the world.
Regarding the allegations of torture, certain of the Governments which brought the original allegations against Greece have filed additional allegations relating to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Witnesses on this point have already been heard by the Commission and a sub-Commission proposes to visit Greece in the present month for the purpose of seeking further evidence. These particular allegations are therefore also sub judice.