Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has sought a written assurance from the US Secretary of State to confirm that no human being has been transferred through an airport here by means of extraordinary rendition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15311/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The issue of extraordinary rendition has been raised on numerous occasions in this House. As has been made repeatedly clear, the Government are completely opposed to the practice. The Government has received specific assurances from the US authorities that prisoners have not been transferred through Irish territory, nor would they be, without our permission. These assurances have been confirmed at the highest level, including by Secretary of State Rice to myself and by President Bush to the Taoiseach. The assurances are of a clear and categoric nature, relating to facts and circumstances within the full control of the US Government. I am satisfied that it is appropriate for the Government to rely fully on these assurances and that it is not necessary, in the context of the normal conduct of international relations, to seek them in written form from Secretary Rice. I would stress that no evidence has ever been produced, nor any concrete allegation made, that any person has ever been subject to extraordinary rendition through Ireland.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the practical measures being made by the EU to intensify consultations with the ASEAN and Burma's neighbours in the lead up to the constitutional referendum on 10 May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16882/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in the matter of the ongoing situation in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17065/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 102 together.

It is the Government's firm view that democratic reform and national reconciliation in Burma can only be effectively achieved through a fully transparent and inclusive process. The Government deeply regrets that the opposition and ethnic minorities have been excluded from the Constitution drafting process. In this context, neither the referendum nor future elections can realistically be regarded as reflecting the real wishes of the majority of the people of Burma, and will assuredly do nothing to assist the long-term stability and democratic development of Burma.

I am deeply concerned by limitations on campaigning and reports of intensified intimidation and violence in the run-up to the referendum. I am also concerned that the proposed draft constitution would allow the military to suspend the constitution at will, as well as at its failure to accommodate the country's ethnic diversity.

Through the strong Conclusions adopted by EU Foreign Ministers earlier this week, and the renewal of restrictive measures against the Burmese regime, the EU has again sent a clear message to the Burmese authorities that they must act meaningfully to ensure real democratisation and national reconciliation in that country.

I believe that the Burmese authorities must now begin to engage seriously with the UN, which reflects the will of the international community, in particular the mission of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative, Dr Ibrahim Gambari.

Burma's neighbours, including ASEAN members, continue to play an important role in encouraging the Burmese regime towards genuine dialogue and reform. I welcome the renewed mandate of the EU Special Envoy Piero Fassino in support of UN efforts and in co-ordinating with Asian partners. The EU will over the next few weeks intensify its close consultations with ASEAN members and other neighbours of Burma, including those currently on the UN Security Council.