Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2006
372 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will clarify his position on the 147 stopovers by CIA operated aircraft at Irish airports and the reason Ireland is not complying with its legal obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights by failing to set up a random inspection regime to ensure rendition was not taking place. [41536/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would refer the Deputy to the statement I made at the European Parliament on 30 November 2006, which is available on my Department's website, in which I dealt in detail with the issues raised by the Deputy. In that statement, I made clear that I would have the most serious questions about the methodology used by the Rapporteur of the relevant European Parliament Committee in establishing such a figure of allegedly suspicious flights. During the exchange of views which followed my statement, it was clear that some members of the Committee would also share these doubts about the figure arrived at by the Rapporteur.
In relation to the Deputy's reference to the Government's legal obligations, I have engaged in detailed correspondence with the Irish Human Rights Commission on this subject. In this correspondence, I outlined the Government's position in respect of the scope of its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, having regard to the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights on the matter. The Government is satisfied that it is fully in compliance with its obligations under international law in regard to this matter. Moreover, the Garda Síochána has the powers necessary to search any aircraft in relation to which there is a suspicion of illegal activity.
I made clear to the IHRC in my most recent letter, dated 25 July, that my Department is very open to continuing dialogue with it. Following on from my appearance at the Temporary Committee, I have arranged for my correspondence with the IHRC to be passed to the Committee for its information.
373 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position Ireland is taking regarding the US authorities harbouring terrorists who were involved in bombings, murders and assassination attempts against Cuban citizens. [41537/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the absence of more detailed information, I have no views to offer on the matter.
374 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to CIA and US attempts to kill the President of Cuba; and to outline Ireland’s position on this matter. [41538/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I am aware that it has been alleged that there were plots to assassinate President Castro in the early years of his tenure of office, I have no further information on the matters to which the Deputy refers.
