Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Airport Security

7:00 pm

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 24: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on establishing an inspection system for flights landing at Shannon Airport in order to ensure that special rendition flights are not passing through airports here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42037/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government is completely opposed to the practice of extraordinary rendition, and our concerns in this regard have been made clear at the highest level of the US Government over an extended period of time. In response, the United States has provided categorical, unqualified assurances that Irish airports or territory have not been used for this purpose.

I have repeatedly stated that any person with credible information that Irish airports have been used for any alleged unlawful purpose should immediately report their concerns to the Garda Síochána, which would have responsibility for investigating such matters. On this basis of such reporting or any other information, where the Garda Síochána reasonably suspects that an offence is being committed, statutory powers of entry and arrest are available, subject to international law.

To date, where complaints of alleged unlawful activity concerning the use of Irish airports have been made to the Garda Síochána, Garda investigations have ensued and, where appropriate, files have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. In all these cases, no further action was found to be warranted, owing to a lack of any evidence of any unlawful activity.

Having regard to the foregoing, I consider that all reasonable, appropriate and sufficient measures have been and are being taken to ensure that Irish airports are not being used for any unlawful activity.

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