No contact from US over Guantanamo inmates

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin told the Dáil this afternoon that his department has had no contact from the new US administration in relation to taking inmates from Guantanamo.

However Mr Martin said he expected it to feature in future dialogue between the countries.

President Barack Obama last week signed an executive order to have the prison camp closed and make arrangements for the transfer of the detainees.

Minister Martin said that the issue was discussed at EU level yesterday, and that Ireland is ready to examine how it may be supportive.