Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is not like Deputy Gilmore to fail to press home a point when he has material in his hand. I know he paraphrased me as the word he ascribes to me was not used. I wish to set out the situation more accurately. I do not have plans to speak to President-elect Obama. On behalf of the Irish people, Government and Parliament, I have congratulated him on his success and extended our commiserations to his opponent. I do not believe in extending the courtesy beyond that but the President-elect will be aware of our views and best wishes. There is nothing more to add to that for the moment. As I indicated, there are no other plans. Should I have the pleasure of meeting President-elect Obama on some occasion beforehand, that will be fine but it is best to leave matters as they are for the moment.

On the Deputy's question about my visit to New York, the purpose of my trip was to recognise the success of Irish Americans in business. I was invited to attend there, which I did. The visit was well received. I took the opportunity to meet many welfare groups on the question of immigration reform and related issues — the usual people we consult with on such visits. There is a very strong Irish community in New York and the general metropolitan area and one is not obliged to attend the capital on one's first visit, as leader of any party, unless it is the capital of the west, Galway city or somewhere.

On the issue of rendition, the Cabinet committee on aspects of international human rights met as part of its three month review of the programme for Government commitments. We are, of course, totally opposed to extraordinary rendition. The committee has agreed that early contact should be made with the new US Administration to seek a clear statement of intent that extraordinary rendition would cease and not resume during the new President's term of office. I must emphasise we have no reason to doubt existing assurances in respect of the use of Irish airports. We are looking for a general policy statement.

Commitments are also being sought as regards the closure of Guantánamo Bay and the prohibition of intensive interrogation techniques such as water boarding, which are internationally considered to constitute torture. We have asked the Irish ambassador in Washington to follow up on this in the course of his work. With a view to strengthening, as necessary, the legislative provisions, the committee is also to review the statutory powers currently available to the civil and police authorities regarding the search and inspection of aircraft in the context of the obligations on the State under the Chicago Convention. Of course, getting changes in the Chicago Convention requires the agreement of all parties, but we will work on all of these issues in good faith in line with the programme.

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