Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 91: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of contact between the Government and the regime in Cuba; if he has communicated his concern at human rights abuses in Cuba to the Ambassador of Cuba to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25128/06]

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

The EU's policy on Cuba is as set out in the Common Position agreed on 2 December 1996, during the then Irish Presidency. The General Affairs and External Relations Council reaffirmed the Common Position's validity on 12 June 2006. The Council's Conclusions on Cuba, which were also adopted on 12 June 2006, reiterated that constructive engagement remains the basis of the EU's policy with the ultimate aim being to encourage a process of transition to pluralist democracy in Cuba.

Of particular concern has been the staging since July 2005 of several dozens of acts of violent harassment and intimidation, including "acts of repudiation" whereby activists have been maltreated, expelled from their dwellings and beaten up. There are reports that some acts of repudiation are taking place with the collusion of the police and security forces.

Notwithstanding these disappointing actions, Ireland, with our EU partners, will continue to persevere with our policy of constructive engagement with Cuba, with a view ultimately to seeing the aims of the Common Position achieved. The issue of human rights is raised consistently in all our bilateral contacts with the Ambassador of Cuba.

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 93: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the circumstances surrounding the transporting of a handcuffed US Marine through Shannon Airport without the necessary permission being obtained by the US from the authorities here; the subsequent discussions he has had with the US Authorities regarding this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25209/06]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 114: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest contacts he has had with the US Ambassador with regard to the transport of a US Marine through Shannon Airport without the correct notification to the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25156/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 114 together.

I would refer the Deputy to my statement in Dáil Éireann of 13 June 2006, where I gave the House a detailed account of the matter to which the Deputies' questions refer, and to my reply to today's priority question on the same matter. On the basis of discussions which my officials and I have had 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.

Officials from my Department have met with officials from the US Embassy to discuss this matter subsequently, most recently on 20 June 2006. I am awaiting a written report on the matter 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 on all aspects of the issue with the US authorities.

As I have previously emphasised, this incident is quite distinct from the 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.