Results 3,601-3,620 of 4,092 for speaker:Michael D Higgins
- State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: I welcome the Minister's statement on the Government's position on rendition. The UN Convention Against Torture defines it as severe physical or mental pain or suffering and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. However, after the attacks of September 2001 the Justice Department in the United States narrowed the definition of torture to the infliction of pain comparable to "organ failure,...
- State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: Without wishing to confuse the issue, Senator McCain, who is involved in helping undocumented Irish people in the United States, suffered torture and is anxious to ensure it is never practised at home or abroad on behalf of the United States. I put it to the Minister that the aeroplane which abducted Khalid al-Masri flew from Kabul to Shannon Airport on 17 December 2003 and from Shannon to...
- State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: It is also a matter for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
- State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: What would be the position if the DPP were to be found to be obstructing an investigation?
- State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: Yes.
- State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: They are called pressure flights.
- State Airports. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: Suspended.
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: Question 39: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the basis used for his expression of concern to the US Embassy at the use of white phosphorus in Iraq; the adequacy of the response which he received on foot of this communication; the position on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39341/05]
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: My question did not confine itself to the convention banning the use of chemical weapons. White phosphorous is an incendiary weapon. As the Minister pointed out, under Article 2 of Protocol III of the 1980 UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons it is specifically banned in areas where there are civilians. The basis for my tabling this question was the suggestion in the first instance...
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: Does the Minister believe them?
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: Yes.
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: I appreciate the Minister raising it with the United States embassy but I also asked about the degree to which he is satisfied with the response and where we go from here on this issue. Apart from the convention banning the use of chemical weapons, there are clear breaches of international law, including breaches of the protocol to the Geneva Convention regarding the protection of civilians....
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: No, not at all.
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: No, it is not the case.
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: Not in relation to leaks by the CIA about extraordinary rendition.
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: Yes, I was, and if I was a member of a Government I would have inspections.
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: I am clarifying it and I am also clarifying the issue regarding white phosphorous. I believe in the application of international law.
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: They are not double standards. I assure the Minister that if he makes an allegation it will be replied to.
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: A Government in which I was or would be a member would not support extraordinary rendition in the way the Minister is doing.
- Conventional Weapons. (14 Dec 2005)
Michael D Higgins: Yes, you are.