EU report on rendition flights strongly criticises Irish Govt

The Irish Government is strongly criticised in an official report on the alleged transportation of terrorist suspects on CIA flights of rendition.

The European Parliament has singled out Ireland for failing to do everything in its power to prevent flights of extraordinary rendition through the country

The report says there have been more than 1,200 known landings across Europe, with 147 in Ireland, by CIA planes carrying terrorist suspects, or that have been used to carry such suspects.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern is criticised for not answering all questions when he appeared before the committee of inquiry in November.

The report also says the Government's willingness to accept verbal assurances from the US denying the activity falls short of our international obligations on human rights.

It further highlights the lack of accountability of foreign intelligence organisation operating in Ireland and advocates a complete ban on CIA flights landing here if they cannot be searched.