On 20 March the European Court of Human Rights issued its judgment on the Government’s application for a revision of the ruling in the 1978 Ireland v UK case. The ruling will be fully considered by the Government. It is important to note that, although the Court dismissed the Government’s application for a revision, nothing in last week’s judgment alters the Court’s original 1978 ruling that the men suffered inhuman and degrading treatment, in breach of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. My thoughts are with the men who suffered this treatment, and who have had to deal with the long-lasting effects. I know that they are understandably disappointed with the judgment.
I have previously discussed with the Deputy the prospect of meeting the men to hear their experiences. Unfortunately a scheduled meeting had to be postponed due to Storm Emma, but I am due to meet the men in the coming weeks, and look forward to hearing directly from them.