Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there have been developments regarding the proposed transfer of certain Guantanamo detainees to here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41941/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In response to US requests for assistance in bringing about the closure of the Guantanamo detention facility, EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers adopted a framework at the June Ministerial Council in relation to the resettlement of former Guantanamo detainees. Two individuals arrived in Ireland for resettlement on 26 September 2009 as a humanitarian measure. The primary reason for agreeing to resettle them here is that, 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 be afforded the time and space to adjust to their new circumstances and to rebuild their lives in Ireland.