Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will respond to the Deputy's second question first. As I stated, I will take every opportunity to progress the efforts not alone of Government but of the Oireachtas as a whole in regard to resolving the issue of the undocumented Irish. While I do not wish to repeat myself, political conditions in recent times have not been particularly opportune to advance this case. The domestic political agenda in the United States has taken hold. This is a particularly sensitive issue in an election year as one would expect. That being said, we will not be deterred in our efforts. We will raise the issue diplomatically and politically on every occasion possible. As I stated, I have already used two occasions in the past week, in meetings with people who have influence or an interest in this matter, to bring to their attention our wishes to work constructively, diplomatically and discreetly with the US Administration, the State Department, Senators and those who would take an initiative on our behalf in Congress to try to advance some of the more recent ideas put forward. It is generally recognised that a comprehensive approach to immigration is not possible during the tenure of this Congress despite the high profile involvement of some of the most influential US Senators and public representatives in Congress. That is the current position. I will do all I can to advance the issue.

On the Taoiseach's discussions with President Bush, obviously, they discussed a range of issues, including the situation in Iraq. The President indicated the US was determined to succeed and to work with President Malachi and others to bring security and stability to Iraq as quickly as possible. It has been our view that this is not a matter that can be resolved in a security context alone. While it is important, as security provides the prospect of stability, political factions within Iraq must work together in the interests of the people to provide that stability and in the interests of their being able to manage and conduct their own affairs as an independent country as soon as possible. It is also important that there are stable and positive relations between the Iraqi Government and its immediate neighbours. The neighbourhood must not be an area in which forces of instability can continue to operate or where governments would be inimical to the objectives of the government in Iraq to pursue its objective of providing security and stability for the people of Iraq. This would have been the nature of the exchange between the US President and the former Taoiseach on the issue.

The issue of extraordinary rendition was not raised in the context of the discussions that took place. I make the point however that the Government has set out at length its position on this including in its response to the report of the Irish Human Rights Commission last December. We are unequivocally opposed to extraordinary rendition and have made this clear to all concerned. Far from regarding US assurances as worthless, we are fully satisfied on the basis of the legal advice available to us, that we are entitled under international law to rely upon them. The assurances given to Ireland and confirmed at the highest level are of a particular clarity and comprehensiveness. They state unequivocally that no prisoners have been subject to extraordinary rendition through Ireland, nor would they be without our agreement.

It remains the case that there is no evidence, nor even a single concrete or credible allegation, that any extraordinary rendition has ever taken place through Ireland. The Garda has all the powers it needs to investigate any allegations that may be made, including the power to search aircraft on the basis of reasonable suspicion. A number of such allegations have been investigated and have led to no action. It is also the case that no other state has adopted the inspection measures of the type which some have recommended.

The Government has been open and active on this issue. The previous Minister for Foreign Affairs is one of only two foreign Ministers to appear before the European Parliament committee investigating the matter. We have also taken the lead in calling for international action to reform the regulation of civil aviation.

See this speech in context