Written answers

Tuesday, 4 April 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Human Rights Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Dan BoyleDan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has indicated to Ms Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State of the United States, that planes used for extraordinary renditions should not land at Shannon airport even if those planes do not contain prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13092/06]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In the Government's contacts with the US authorities, on which I have reported to the House in considerable detail as recently as 22 February 2006, we have been concerned to ensure that no extraordinary rendition of prisoners has occurred or is occurring through Ireland. The Taoiseach raised the matter with President Bush in Washington DC on 17 March 2006. The assurances that we have received from the US authorities in this matter have been categorical and unambiguous. In this regard, prisoners have not been transferred through Irish territory, nor would they be, without our permission.

As regards the question of whether planes allegedly used for extraordinary rendition elsewhere might land at Shannon, our view on the matter is best expressed through our complete opposition to the practice of extraordinary rendition, irrespective of where it may occur, which has been made clear on numerous occasions.

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