Written answers

Thursday, 3 April 2014

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Military Aircraft Landings

Photo of Mick WallaceMick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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35. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had ongoing contact with the United States Embassy since a US military aircraft landed in Shannon Airport in September 2013 with a fixed weapon; if he has sought further assurances since this incident that no aircraft involved in extraordinary rendition has transited through Shannon Airport; his views on whether diplomatic assurances are sufficient to comply with the State's obligations to prevent torture or prohibit ill-treatment taking place in its territory or airspace and to ensure its territory is not being used to facilitate extraordinary rendition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15685/14]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Officials in my Department are in regular and ongoing contact with the US Embassy on a range of issues, including in relation to requests for permission for the landing of US military aircraft at Shannon Airport. Permission for foreign military aircraft is granted on the basis that the aircraft in question is not armed, is not carrying arms, ammunition or explosives, is not engaged in intelligence gathering, and that the flight does not form part of a military exercise or operation.

The aircraft mentioned by the Deputy was in breach of these conditions, a matter which the Government views with utmost concern. The incident was raised at the highest possible level with the US Embassy. The Embassy official expressed regret at this isolated incident, explained that it was due to an administrative error and provided assurances that steps have been taken by the US authorities to ensure that there is no recurrence.

With regard to the separate matter of extraordinary rendition, specific assurances have been received from the US authorities that prisoners have not been transferred through Irish territory for the purposes of extraordinary rendition, nor would they be, without our permission which, of course, would not be granted. The assurances are of a clear and categoric nature, relating to facts and circumstances within the full control of the US Government, and have been confirmed at the highest level. The Government is entitled, both in international law and in the context of the relationship between Ireland and the United States, to rely on the assurances repeatedly given by the US Government.

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