Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Fine Gael welcomes the proposed closure of Guantanamo, which it always believed was a bad concept. I watched with interest European countries adopt the high moral ground during the past number of years in respect of Guantanamo. One would have thought at one stage that all the detainees had been former Reverend Mothers. The chickens have come to roost in terms of the EU's duplicitous approach in respect to Guantanamo.

What contribution did the Minister make to the discussion on this issue? We seem to be waiting in the wings on Europe. While we hear much of the need for one voice in Europe, member states are now taking different positions on this issue. My understanding is that the Portuguese sought to put the item on the agenda at a late stage. Perhaps the Minister will state Ireland's position in this regard and will outline why approximately 70 or 80 detainees cannot return to their home countries. What was our position to the General Affairs and External Relations Council with respect to Ireland agreeing to accept detainees?

My understanding is that one of the Government parties, the Green Party, has actively sought to have a particular detainee brought here. What is the Minister's response to this matter? I am sure he is in a position to make a unilateral decision in this regard and does not need Mr. Miliband or President Sarkozy to tell him what to do.

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