Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Tánaiste is familiar with the report by Mr. Nils MuiŽnieks, Commissioner for Human Rights at the European Council. Mr. MuiŽnieks has been very critical of the failure by various governments to investigate possible instances of extraordinary rendition in their jurisdiction. They have proved unwilling, he says, to "establish the truth and ensure accountability for their complicity in the unlawful programme of 'extraordinary renditions' - involving abduction, detention and ill treatment of suspected terrorists”. He makes the point that the Western response to the events of 9 September 2011 has probably caused more suffering and violation of human rights than makes sense.

The Tánaiste referred to the need for evidence. We learned from WikiLeaks that a former Minister, Dermot Ahern, was conscious of the fact that extraordinary renditions had taken place through Shannon. I have not heard Mr. Ahern confirm that himself, but most of the information WikiLeaks has provided to date has been quite accurate. Mr. MuiŽnieks's report, which is appropriately entitled Globalising Torture, lists several examples of rendition flights which could have been linked to Shannon. Ireland, he says, is one of a number of countries with questions to answer. The reality is that if we do not look inside the aircraft in question, it is very difficult to be sure that everything is above board. I recall the Tánaiste being very keen, when he was in opposition, that these airplanes should be inspected. I am disappointed that he is no longer so keen now that he is in government.

See this speech in context