Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Obviously, I have no notice of that issue, although, apparently, the Senator has raised it on other occasions in the House. Any person who is on the soil of Ireland is entitled to the protection of our Constitution. No person can be brought through the soil of Ireland in the custody of any other state except in accordance with international law. If the Senator has reason to believe any person has been transited through Irish territory, in unlawful custody, particularly to Quantanamo, I would be interested to hear it because I would respond to it immediately. We have our Constitution and the right of the freedom of the individual is not confined to citizens; it applies to all persons. Therefore, it would cause me grave concern if I thought people were being smuggled through Irish territory in circumstances that amounted to unlawful detention in Irish law or in international law for that matter.

I thank Senators for their thoughtful and positive contributions to the Bill. It was a pleasure to meet many of the points raised in the earlier Stages of the Bill in Government amendments. I echo the thanks of Members to my officials for doing such a good job in getting the legislation through the House. I hope it gets onto the Statute Book as early as possible.