Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 116: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had contact with the UN Commission on Human Rights regarding its investigation into the Government's policy of allowing US military and CIA aircraft to use Irish airports and the possible connection of these flights with human rights abuses of prisoners detailed as part of the war on terror; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27059/05]

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

As I set out in my replies to Questions Nos. 603 of 28 September 2005 and 616 of 28 September 2005, I am aware of a recent media report that Martin Scheinin, the UN Commission on Human Rights special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, has been contacted by Irish citizens regarding allegations about the use of Irish airports by the US to transit prisoners who are suspected of terrorist activity. I repeat that two weeks ago my Department was contacted by Professor Scheinin's office to confirm that neither he, nor any other special rapporteur, is investigating or inquiring into this matter. As regards the wider issue raised by the Deputy, I refer him to my reply today to Question No. 3 from Deputy Gormley.