Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

The Government continues to monitor closely all issues regarding human rights in China, including the situation in Tibet. These issues are raised regularly through bilateral contacts with the Chinese Government and in concert with our EU partners. Issues for discussion are those of special importance to the people of Tibet, including freedom of expression and the preservation of culture and religion.

The Government is aware of events in the Israeli and Palestinian territories. The rights of both sides must be respected. During the Minister of State's last visit, he raised with the Israeli authorities the issues of settlement with the Palestinians and restrictions on movement. Senator Norris has acknowledged the Minister of State's ongoing and open-ended good work in this regard. We are all watching the situation carefully. Zimbabwe and Sudan have seen human rights violations and intimidation. The Government is engaged in dialogue with their embassies, authorities and officials to try to highlight human rights abuses.

As has been made clear many times, including in the House, the Government is opposed to the practice of extraordinary rendition. The policy has not changed. The programme for Government contains a number of commitments on which action is already being taken and that will be carried forward by last October's establishment of a Cabinet committee on aspects of international human rights. With a view to strengthening legislative provisions, as necessary, the committee is to review the statutory powers currently available to the civil and police authorities to search and inspect aircraft in the context of the State's obligations under the Chicago convention. As has been often stated, the Garda has full powers of search and inspection where it has reasonable grounds for suspicion. In keeping with the programme for Government and in light of international developments, this is an opportune time to confirm that the legislation is as effective as it can be.

As requested by the committee, the embassy in Washington made early contact with the transition team of the new US Administration to seek a clear statement of intent that extraordinary rendition would cease and would not resume during the new President's term of office.