Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent discussions with the US Government with regard to the rendition of prisoners through Irish facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6815/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As Deputies will be aware from my replies to previous questions on this subject, most recently Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 14 December 2005, the United States has given Ireland repeated, clear and explicit assurances that no prisoners have been transferred through Irish territory, nor would they be, without our permission. These assurances were confirmed by Secretary Rice at our meeting on 1 December, and have been confirmed during several meetings already this year, including as recently as last week.

In the Government's contacts with the US authorities, on which I have reported to the House on numerous occasions, we have been concerned above all to ensure that no extraordinary rendition of prisoners has occurred or is occurring through Ireland. The assurances that we have received from the US authorities that this is indeed the case have been categorical and unambiguous — indeed in the wider European context they are of particular clarity and completeness. I should add that our complete opposition to the practice of extraordinary rendition has been made clear on numerous occasions.