Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 377: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government, through permitting the use of Shannon Airport for the refuelling and servicing of two aeroplanes used for the extraordinary renditions programme of the US intelligence services, which may have had on board prisoners being delivered for interrogation which involved the use of torture, has lent itself to a breach of the international convention outlawing torture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19394/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer the Deputy to replies to parliamentary questions on 2 February, 22 March, 27 April and 28 April 2005.

The Government has on several occasions made clear to the US authorities that it would be illegal to transit prisoners for rendition purposes through Irish territory without the express permission of the Irish authorities, acting in accordance with Irish and international law. The US authorities have confirmed that they have not done so and would not do so without seeking the permission of the Irish authorities. No request for such an authorisation has been received from the US authorities.