Probe into US helicopters will not include prisoner flights

A PROBE ordered by the Government after it emerged the US transported Apache attack-helicopters through Shannon will not be widened to investigate whether prisoners have been flown through the airport.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen said he would not extend the review because the US had provided assurances it was not using Shannon for the so-called extraordinary rendition of terror suspects.

A cargo plane carrying Apaches bound for Israel landed at Shannon in February without notifying the minister’s department.