As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government states that the 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”. I have regularly stated in this House that this Government does not tolerate and will not tolerate the use of our airspace or airports for any illegal purpose, including torture, rendition or the unauthorised detainment of any individual. This position is unchanged; Ireland remains totally opposed to the practice of extraordinary rendition.
Immediately following the first reports several years ago that the US was practising extraordinary rendition to transit prisoners, the then Government demanded and received specific assurances from the US authorities that such prisoners had not been transferred through Irish territory, nor would they be, without our permission. These assurances were confirmed at the highest political level. They were of a clear and categoric nature, relating to facts and circumstances within the full control of the US authorities. I am satisfied, as previous Ministers have been, that it is appropriate for the Government to rely fully on these assurances.
The permission of the Government must be sought and obtained for the transport of prisoners through Irish airports. I made it clear in this House on 22 May 2012 that “under no circumstances will we grant permission for the transport of prisoners who are subject to extraordinary rendition”.
It is likely that a small number of commercially leased aircraft which have been involved in legitimate commercial activities have also been involved at various times in activities related to extraordinary renditions. However, there is no evidence to suggest that any of these aircraft were carrying prisoners at any time when they transited through Irish airports, including Shannon Airport.
The Deputy seeks the introduction of “a system of checks and investigations aimed at ensuring that there can be no aircraft passing through Shannon involved in the practice of extraordinary rendition”. Where allegations have been made, including by members of the Oireachtas, these have been fully investigated by senior officers of An Garda Síochána. In no case has any evidence been adduced to support claims that extraordinary rendition had occurred. If anyone has evidence to suggest that any person subject to extraordinary rendition has transited an Irish airport during this process, this evidence should be made available to An Garda Síochána, so that an investigation can take place.
Questions relating to the regulation of international civil aviation and to the Chicago Convention are primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. The Department of Transport is the primary interlocutor with the International Civil Aviation Authority, which has responsibility under this Convention for the regulation of international civil aviation.
