Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the fact that many of the latest reports confirm that flights which have stopped in Shannon have also been used for rendition purposes; and his further views on whether this represents a breach of International law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19746/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is satisfied that it is fully in compliance with its obligations under international law in regard to the issue of extraordinary renditions.

In relation to the landing at Shannon airport of aircraft alleged to have been used for extraordinary rendition purposes, I would point out that these allegations are based on the retrospective imposition of a pattern of movement on flight data some considerable time after the fact. They do not involve any claim of illegal activity on Irish territory. In this regard, as I have repeatedly stated in the House, the Government has received categorical and unambiguous assurances from the US authorities that prisoners have not been transferred through Irish territory, and would not be, without our permission.