Dáil debates

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

2:00 pm

Photo of Mick WallaceMick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

The Tánaiste says he is only responsible for Irish issues. However, while he did not set up Guantánamo Bay himself, he has criticised it and was dead right to do so. It is an absolute disgrace that of over 800 people who were thrown into it, only six were convicted, which is a smaller number than the military personnel who have left because of the unfairness of the system there.

We might not be exporting any arms to Bahrain or Yemen but, given that the Tánaiste was prepared to express his disquiet about Guantánamo to the Americans, surely he could also complain about the fact that in Yemen today they are using tear-gas canisters with "Made in America" written on them. With regard to Bahrain, it would be nice if the Tánaiste could let Mr. Cameron know that Ireland was always perceived as a neutral country. The Tánaiste has a great opportunity to enhance that and ensure that we are not seen to be taking sides with anyone, and that we disagree with this sort of behaviour by any country.

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