Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I understand that a Swiss senator, who is a member of the legal affairs committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, has prepared a preliminary report on issues related to the alleged holding of prisoners in secret sites in eastern Europe. He has mentioned Shannon as one of a number of airports which might have been used by CIA aircraft in some capacity. The references to Shannon, however, do not appear to be any more precise or substantive than similar references on previous occasions. Nevertheless, the Government would be happy to offer all possible assistance to any further investigation by the Council of Europe. I spoke there myself last week. I reiterate the Government's complete opposition to any actions which are contrary to international law, but we have received the clearest assurances from the US authorities in this regard.

I am grateful for this opportunity to outline the Government's approach on these extremely important issues regarding Iraq, and to place them in their political context. I commend the Government's amendment to the Seanad.