Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

Has the Taoiseach or any other member of the Government been involved in discussions with the authorities in Northern Ireland regarding the security arrangements relating to the G8 summit, which he will be attending? Is he aware that many civil society organisations and human rights groups are extremely concerned that the policing board in the North has agreed to the purchase of two military-style drones which will essentially be used to spy on protesters and those who intend to assemble in a peaceful manner in order to oppose the policies espoused by the big capitalists and politicians who will be represented at the summit? Those organisations and groups, quite correctly, see this as an extremely sinister development. Is the Taoiseach aware of the purchase to which I refer? Considering that Enniskillen is located just a few miles from the Border, has the Irish State been involved in any discussions on this matter? Will the Taoiseach indicate that there is no possibility of a drone being allowed to enter Irish airspace? Does he agree that he should make representations to the effect that neither drone should enter Irish airspace, particularly in view of the feeling among many people in the North and the South in respect of this matter?

Will the Taoiseach outline his priorities in respect of the G8 summit? What role will he play in the context of the meeting? Does he intend to raise some of the crucial human rights issues relevant to the political leaders who will be assembling in Fermanagh? Is he aware of the great unease in the United States in respect of the inhuman and tortuous conditions which obtain at Guantanamo Bay, where dozens of prisoners who are being held on remand and without charge are on hunger strike? Does the Taoiseach agree that raising issues of this sort helps to refocus attention on the plight of Marian Price and Martin Corey? Does he also agree that detaining people on an unlimited basis - without charge and without supplying them or their lawyers with information on why they are being held - should, by modern standards and in light of the wishes of the majority of people, simply not be allowed? Does he further agree that this type of detention represents a blight on society and that he and the Government should be doing far more in respect of it and related issues?

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