Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received diplomatic assurances from the US Government regarding their adherence to the procedures and circumstances under which prisoners may be transported through Irish airspace and ground based facilities; if, in view of the discovery that a prisoner was being transported through Shannon Airport without the prior consent of the Irish Government, he remains satisfied as to the trustworthy nature of such assurances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23704/06]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the recent discovery of a prisoner being transported via Shannon airport in the absence of consent from the Department of Justice was an isolated incident; the way in which he can be certain that other such prisoner transportation's have not occurred; if he has received assurances from the US Government that no other such transportation's have taken place without permission from the Irish Government; if so, the form in which these assurances have been communicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23739/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 279 and 282 together.

On 13 June, I gave the House a detailed account of the matter to which the Deputy's questions refer. On the basis of my and my Department's discussions with the US authorities, I have no reason to believe that this was other than an isolated incident which arose from an administrative error. At my meeting with him on 12 June, the US Ambassador conveyed his deep regret for the breach of procedures, and confirmed his authorities' determination that the use of Irish airspace and airports by the US be completely transparent and in conformity with Irish law and the wishes of the Government.

I am awaiting a written report from the US Embassy. In addition, to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to prevent any recurrence of this incident, we are engaging in further discussion with the US authorities on arrangements for notification and information sharing, and the strengthening of verification procedures as necessary.

As I have previously emphasised, this incident is quite distinct from the much more serious question of extraordinary rendition, and I remain confident of the continuing validity and weight of the clear assurances repeatedly given to us by the US authorities in that context.