Garda powers to search US aircraft set for review

THE Government is to examine existing laws to ensure gardaí have sufficient legal powers to search US military craft that are using Shannon Airport and suspected of being involved in extraordinary rendition.

It has also agreed to approach the incoming US administration to seek an end to rendition and torture and the closure of the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay.

A Cabinet subcommittee agreed the plans last week, details of which were made public by Green party justice spokesman Ciarán Cuffe, who labelled the moves a “sea change” in Government policy.