Dáil debates
Thursday, 3 April 2014
Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions
Shannon Airport Facilities
9:35 am
Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source
In 2006 the Tánaiste, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, said "not knowing is not good enough". He also said "Why has the Government not complied with the request from the Human Rights Commission to inspect the aircraft through Shannon?" I do not know how he can have that position when in opposition and have a different position when in power. Now we do not want to know if there is anything on the planes. It was interesting to hear what Shannonwatch said yesterday:
Recent disturbing revelations in relation to the behaviour of Garda management and the Minister for Justice give new significance to statements made by members of An Garda Síochána about instructions not to search suspected CIA rendition and US military aircraft at Shannon Airport.Can the Government clarify whether the Garda has been strictly instructed that under no circumstances are they to search these planes even if they suspect that there are arms on board? How are we know about that? No one in his or her right mind would take America's word for anything given its history. Wikileaks has strongly brought this to the fore. If we want to know whether Shannon is being used for military purposes, the dogs on the street know that we need to look, otherwise how can we possibly know?
Over the last eight years, Gardaí of various ranks have told members of Shannonwatch that an "instruction" or "policy decision" or "letter of advice" has existed in relation to the searching of these aircraft.
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