Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

As the Taoiseach stated, the Government relies on and accepts the diplomatic assurances it receives from the United States in respect of extraordinary rendition at Shannon. As the Taoiseach is aware, this is a position that was criticised not only by the Labour Party but also by bodies such as Amnesty International. What surprises me about the Taoiseach's response is, given that the Government places such high value on these diplomatic assurances, it appears his predecessor did not seek such assurances at his last meeting with President Bush.

I am not clear about the Taoiseach's plans in respect of meeting President Bush or Senators McCain, Obama and Clinton. I appreciate the Senators have other things on their minds. I understand Senator Obama has an Offaly connection. Is Offaly big enough for the Taoiseach and Senator Obama?

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