Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 723: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to a query (details supplied). [33980/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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During my time as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I was the first EU Minister to call for the closure of the Guantanamo detention facility. The Government has consistently called for its closure since then and has welcomed President Obama's decision to close Guantanamo. In response to US requests for assistance in resettling some of these detainees, EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers adopted a framework at the June Ministerial Council in relation to resettlement of former detainees. The resettlement in Ireland of the two individuals referred to in the Deputy's question is a humanitarian measure and a practical step towards the ultimate closure of Guantanamo Bay. The primary reason for agreeing to resettle them here is because, although they were cleared for release by the US authorities and were not to be prosecuted by the US, it was considered that, they could not, for compelling reasons, be returned to their home countries. I hope they will now be given the time and space to rebuild their lives here in Ireland.