Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing this issue to be raised. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Callely. A week does not go by but newspapers are beset with rumours of nefarious happenings at Shannon Airport, that flights to and from the US are carrying cargoes of prisoners and, more particularly, that such aeroplanes are exempt from carrying manifests of cargo, passengers, crew and all that is on board. As the House is aware, all other flights must carry manifests, as a ship would. I need to have this matter clarified. I hope the reply will be definitive and will put an end to the matter. However, I fear I will get a half-answer. If so, the matter will have to be pursued through other channels. I look forward to the Minister's contribution.