Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I am not singling out one Minister because there was a series of them. When we started this debate the former Minister, Michael McDowell, was the relevant Minister. Deputy Martin was Minister for Foreign Affairs during the period in question. The Minister of State did not answer my question. Why would an Irish Minister seek permission from the US authorities to carry out a lawful action, namely, search planes in Shannon airport if he or she believed a crime was committed?

I am not suggesting that WikiLeaks or the cables are gospel. At the time we asked questions and the then Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Justice and Law Reform said they did not believe any extraordinary rendition flight went through Shannon airport. However, it seems that they had formed a belief which they were willing to share the US authorities but not the House.

See this speech in context