Dáil committee hoping to quiz US envoy about CIA flights

The US Ambassador to Ireland is to be asked to appear before an Oireachtas committee to discuss the controversial CIA aircraft that have been using Shannon Airport.

The Oireachtas foreign affairs committee wants to question James Kenny about suspicions that the US intelligence agency has been illegally transporting prisoners through the airport.

The US has admitted establishing an "extraordinary rendition programme" to transfer suspected Islamic militants to interrogation centres around the world.

Critics say the detainees are being brought to countries where they are tortured at the behest of the CIA.

Irish anti-war activists have documented the use of Shannon Airport by several planes involved in the programme.

However, the Irish Government says it has received assurances from the US that no prisoners are on board.

Several other European countries have also raised concerns about the possible use of their territory as part of the "rendition" scheme amid fears that they may be aiding in acts that breach international law.