The Irish government has been placed on the defensive following a critical report on its response to the rendition issue.
This week the Irish Human Rights Commission set out its concerns in its report “'Extraordinary Rendition' : A Review of Ireland's Human Rights Obligations”.
The IHRC discount diplomatic assurances received from the US Government saying these are not sufficient for Ireland to satisfy its human rights obligations with regard to the issue of 'extraordinary rendition' flights passing through Irish territory.
The Commission call for an effective inspection regime be put in place to ensure that no foreign aircraft which might be suspected of involvement in the illegal practice of 'extraordinary rendition' may land and refuel in Ireland. They say an effective inspection regime will ensure that no prisoners are transited through the State en route to a situation of torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The IHRC are echoing concerns already voiced by the Celtic League who lodged a formal complaint with the Garda Siochana over the issue.
Amongst the recommendations called for the IHRC say:
Aircraft from any State in relation to which suspicion exists should be subject to the inspection regime.
To facilitate proper inspection of relevant aircraft, detailed information about the purpose of the flight, its destination and the names of passengers on board should be required by the aviation authorities and received in advance of any such aircraft landing. The provision of relevant details should be a condition for entry to the State. Ireland should continue to oppose the practice of 'extraordinary rendition'.
The commitments in the Programme for Government should be clearly implemented, particularly in relation to the role of An Garda Síochána.
Consideration should be given to establishing a Garda sub-station at Shannon Airport
Where necessary, legislation should be introduced to ensure that no aircraft may leave the State where an allegation has been made that it is involved in an 'extraordinary rendition' flight until such time as an inspection of the aircraft occurs.
In a direct challenge to current Irish government inertia the IHRC Director of Enquiry & Legal Services, Des Hogan, said:
“'Extraordinary rendition' is an illegal practice which results in torture, and to meet its human rights obligations, the Irish Government must put in place an effective inspection regime to ensure that no foreign aircraft suspected of involvement in the practice land or refuel in Ireland” .
Obviously shaken by the criticisms in the report Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dáil that Irish Human Rights Commission report "failed to do justice to the Government's activity on the issue of extraordinary rendition".
However when pressed on the issue he was forced to agree that the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Transport would examine the recommendations. in the report adding somewhat ingenuously that both ministers have already made the point that there are serious questions over the effectiveness of the inspection regime.
See also earlier items on Celtic News:
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
13/12/07
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