Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

I might as well come in with an algebraic formula and put it in front of the Taoiseach if we are not allowed to utter a single word outside of the Ceann Comhairle's extremely narrow definition of what is in order.

Does the Taoiseach think, and is there any suggestion, that within the European Union, which claims to be a zone where human rights are respected, there should be a common position in absolute opposition to this so-called "extraordinary rendition"? What is the view of other leaders in the European Union with regard to certain countries co-operating with the kidnapping of individuals and facilitating it?

Regarding the discussions between the EU and President Putin, what assurances, if any, were given on the human rights inside Russia of members of opposition groups, trade unions, journalists who are routinely murdered and the people of Chechnya who are brutally repressed? What is the basis of the understanding of the relationship between the EU and Russia in respect of what this regime is allowed to do? I know the recent suspicions about the death of Alexander Litvinenko had not come to light at that stage, but it is all part of a process. What did President Putin say to the Taoiseach in this regard?

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