Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The issue was discussed formally over lunch yesterday at the EU Council Meeting. Considerable debate on the issue took place for quite a long time. Deputy Breen is correct that the Portuguese Foreign Minister, Luis Amado, circulated correspondence on the matter to all member states requesting that the issue be discussed. The issue is not one of whether a country takes one detainee or a number of detainees. Freedom of mobility means such persons would be free to move to other European countries. There is a strong European dimension involved. Member states have different legal systems. As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that there were significant issues involved in terms of freedom of movement, different legal systems, relocation to third countries and so on. It was decided to await a paper on the matter from the Commission which would analyse all of the issues raised. The Americans have stated that Guantanamo will be closed within one year.

We await engagement on the matter from the Americans. The position is as I stated yesterday, we welcome the decision to close Guantanamo. This decision represents more than just the closure of Guantanamo; it represents a new commitment to a more multilateral approach and an engagement with the EU and other global powers by the United States and the new President. We will co-operate and work with the US in facilitating the closure of Guantanamo. However, we must wait to see what track that takes in the coming months.

See this speech in context