Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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170. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons he is aware of who have been transited through Shannon Airport in the custody of agents of other governments, and who are being detained in an extrajudicial manner in violation of international law; if he has requested and exercised the right to inspect any aircraft which transit through Shannon Airport; and if so if he will list details of all such inspections; if he has expressed his concerns to any governments suspected, accused or who have admitted engaging in this practice; the response he received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13365/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am not aware of any cases in which a person has been transited through Shannon Airport in the custody of agents of other nations' Governments and who are being detained in an extrajudicial manner in violation of international law. I have reiterated in this House on a regular basis that this Government is completely opposed to such practices, and that the use of our airspace or airports has not been permitted, and will not be permitted, for any illegal purpose, including rendition or the extrajudicial detention of any person. This is reflected in the current Programme for Government which states that this Government “will enforce the prohibition of the use of Irish airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates of international law”.

If evidence exists that Irish airports are being used for any alleged unlawful purpose it should be reported to An Garda Síochána, which would have responsibility for investigating such matters. An Garda Síochána has statutory powers of search and entry available to it under various legislative provisions which may be exercised in circumstances where a member reasonably suspects that an offence has been or is being committed. Immediately following the first reports suggesting that the US was practising extraordinary rendition to transit prisoners, the then Government demanded and received specific assurances from the US authorities that such prisoners had not been transferred through Irish territory, nor would they be, without our permission. These assurances were confirmed at the highest political level. They are of a clear and categoric nature, relating to facts and circumstances within the full control of the US Government. I am satisfied, as previous Ministers have been, that it is appropriate for the Government to rely fully on these assurances.