Foreign Conflicts.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005

Wednesday, 26 January 2005

Questions (687)

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

749 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to claims (details supplied) relating to a Gulfstream V jet; if his attention has further been drawn to claims that the plane has flown between Washington DC and destinations that include the Guantanamo Bay prison camp in Cuba and US overseas military bases, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan; that Shannon Airport is used as a refuelling post on such flights and that the flights are for the clandestine transport of enemy combatants to undisclosed locations for extraordinary rendition, that is, flying captured terrorist suspects and prisoners of war from one country to another for detention and interrogation; if he has investigated these claims; if the use of Shannon for such purposes has ever been sought from or notified to the authorities here by the US Government; if such use is compatible with domestic law and the State’s international legal commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1410/05]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 3 November 2004. I am aware of the various reports made in relation to the civilian-registered aircraft in question. The regulation of such aircraft is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, who has made inquiries in the matter and whose findings have been outlined to this House in replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 218 of 7 October 2004; 406 of 19 October 2004; 356 of 2 November 2004; and 312 of 23 November 2004.

Neither the Government nor I have any information to indicate that military prisoners are being transported through Irish airports. I understand that the US authorities have confirmed to the Department of Foreign Affairs that Irish airports are not used for this purpose and that they would not seek to do so in the future without seeking the authorisation of the Irish authorities.

Moreover, I assure the Deputy that the Garda Síochána would conduct a full investigation in any case in which a credible complaint of criminal activity, such as holding a person in unlawful custody, is made to include, where appropriate, an inspection of an aircraft in this jurisdiction.