Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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503. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the use of Irish airspace or airports for the rendition of suspects; if there are new proposals to introduce a more rigorous approach to suspicious aircraft using facilities in this jurisdiction. [1393/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government states that the Government will enforce the prohibition of the use of Irish airspace, airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates of international law. The Government has repeatedly stated that Ireland would not tolerate the use of our airspace or airports for any illegal purpose, including torture, rendition or the unauthorised detention of any individual. It has been made clear by the current and previous Governments that such activity would be considered completely unacceptable and illegal.

The Government has, over the years, responded to allegations linking rendition flights to Shannon Airport. Ireland sought, and received, categorical assurances from the US Government that no prisoner had been, or would be, transferred through Irish territory without the express permission of the Irish authorities, which it was made clear, would not be forthcoming.

Allegations relating to the practice of extraordinary renditions generally refer to civilian rather than military aircraft. Where a member of An Garda Síochána reasonably suspects that an offence is being committed, statutory powers of entry and arrest are available. A number of complaints concerning alleged unlawful activity at Shannon Airport have been investigated by An Garda Síochána. However, no evidence of rendition was disclosed in any of the investigations.

Primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland is assigned to the Minister for Foreign Affairs under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 and the procedures underpinning this regulation are kept under review. In accordance with international practice and the principle of sovereign immunity, foreign military aircraft are not subject to routine searches or inspections.