Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is one of the 37 Ministers for Foreign Affairs within the 46 strong membership of the Council of Europe who reported to have received a letter from the Secretary General of that organisation asking them to complete or clarify their replies on allegations of secret detention and air transport in Europe; if he is satisfied that Ireland's actions in these matters is consistent with its responsibilities under the European Human Rights Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11171/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am one of the nine foreign affairs ministers who have not received such letters. Ireland is one of a minority of only nine countries, of the 46-strong membership of the Council of Europe, whose replies in this matter have been adjudged to be sufficiently comprehensive not to require further clarification. As I have stated in this House on numerous occasions, and as the Government makes clear in its reply to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the Government is satisfied that it is fully in compliance with its obligations under international law in respect of the issues the Deputy mentions.