Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 47: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a report in a newspaper (details supplied) is accurate. [25202/06]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 52: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the Government has rejected the advice of the Irish Commissioner for Human Rights in relation to inspection of such flights at Shannon Airport as are necessary for full positive compliance with internationally ratified human rights obligations. [25253/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 52 together.

I would refer Deputies to my statement to Dáil Éireann of 13 June 2006, in which I addressed the question of aircraft inspection comprehensively. This statement sets out my clear and precise views at this time on all aspects of the extraordinary rendition issue.

As was also pointed out in my statement, and as conveyed directly to the Irish Commission on Human Rights, we were the first Government, when rumours of extraordinary rendition emerged, to raise with the US authorities our concerns about the matter. We were also the first Government to demand assurances that our territory would not be used for such purposes. To speak of a failure to act — which is the essence of the reference to positive compliance — against such a background of proactive intervention is not reasonable. As we have repeatedly made clear also, An Garda Síochána has the powers it needs to investigate all allegations of illegal activity. There is no legal bar to the search of civilian aircraft of the type allegedly involved, where there is a basis for doing so.

It remains the Government's position therefore, and we have set this out in detail in ongoing correspondence with the Commission, that we are fully in compliance with our obligations under international law.