David Norris (Independent)

This House led the way in alerting the public to what is happening regarding extraordinary rendition. It is appropriate that we continue to do this. The United States authorities and people such as Vice-President Cheney actively endorse and approve of torture. However, people in American society, such as Republican Senator John McCain, are so concerned about this that Senator McCain put down amendments to legislation to outlaw torture. Vice-President Cheney is now trying to remove this provision from the Bill so the CIA can continue to torture. As former President Carter has expressed serious concern about this, it could not be seen as anti-American to examine it.

In 2004, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, told the Dáil about one of these rendition flights that landed in Shannon. He described it as a technical stop. That is worrying. We must examine it in light of advice given to a committee of the British Parliament yesterday to the effect that allowing these aeroplanes to refuel renders a country's Government complicit, under international law, in the commission of a serious international crime. Last week I mentioned the possibility of establishing an all-party committee of this House to investigate this matter and the Leader indicated she would consider it. With the assistance of the clerical staff here I have looked through the Standing Orders of this House and there is provision under Standing Order 64 to establish such a committee. I ask the Leader to consider this as soon as possible and would be happy to talk to her after the Order of Business to see if this can be done. All that is required is the establishment of terms of reference.