Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I dealt with this issue yesterday and I repeat that Ireland cannot and will not allow any aircraft engaged in what are known as "extraordinary renditions" to land or refuel at Irish airports. That is the legal advice we received from the Attorney General. Ireland has not and will not facilitate any use of torture. We have used internationally understood terms and definition for torture for many years and there is no need for doubt about that terminology. It has been used by the Council of Europe, in European human rights issues, and by international fora since the Hague Convention. Wherever torture occurs it is wrong and deeply reprehensible. All Government powers are exercised to preclude any use of our facilities where, in the language of the European Court of Human Rights, substantial grounds exist for believing there is a risk to a prisoner under any of the definitions used. As far as we are concerned, the only definition is that recognised and found in international law.

We have been assured repeatedly by the US authorities, including the Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, on several occasions during the past few years, that no prisoners have been or will be transferred through this country in owned or operated aircraft. Yesterday, I made reference to the fact that the Secretary of State would give a press conference to international journalists last night. I heard her repeat that statement emphatically so it has not just been said at an official meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. We have accepted these repeated assurances. The Deputy is aware of the international law on this and on inspections. That is the position. The issue has been raised correctly by European countries because of matters that arose during the past few months. However, the Secretary of State has given her assurances to this country.

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