Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As I outlined in this house yesterday, this Government remains fully committed to Irish neutrality, which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances, and which forms a central element of our foreign policy. It is set alongside our pro-active engagement in the efforts of the international community to maintain global peace and security, through the UN, the EU and through our bilateral engagement. I see no incompatibility with this approach and the landings of US military aircraft at Shannon Airport, a practice which has taken place under successive Governments for over 50 years.

I am unaware of any reports which suggest that Shannon Airport has been used as an ‘advance virtual battle airfield’, and there is no evidence to suggest that any person has been subjected to extraordinary rendition through Irish airspace and airports. The Government’s complete opposition to extraordinary rendition has been made clear on numerous occasions, and is reflected in the current Programme for Government which states clearly that we “will enforce the prohibition of the use of Irish airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates of international law”. The use of Irish airspace and airports for this practice has not, and will not, be permitted under any circumstances.