As the Deputy will be aware, I have, on a number of occasions, made known the Government's concerns regarding the treatment and status of the detainees held at Guantanamo Bay both in this House and elsewhere. These concerns are shared by our partners in the EU. The United States is well aware of the Government's view that those detained at Guantanamo Bay should be treated in accordance with the provisions of international human rights and humanitarian law. These concerns have been conveyed most recently to the US embassy in Dublin by my Department last week.
In expressing these views, I do so as a friend of the United States. The Government recognises the danger posed by terrorists' networks such as al-Qaeda. Together with our EU partners, we are committed to working with the United States in the fight against international terrorism. However, when confronting those who abuse all forms of human rights it is important that the highest standards of international law are maintained at all times, including through scrupulous respect for international law.
Question No. 450 answered with Question No. 411.