As the Tánaiste has clearly stated on numerous occasions, the use of Irish airspace and airports for extraordinary rendition operations has not, and will not, be permitted under any circumstances. The current Programme for Government states clearly 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". Ireland does not tolerate, and will not tolerate, the use of our territory or airspace for any illegal purpose, including torture and 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.
