Irish-US treaty - Lack of debate is unacceptable

THE lack of public debate on the latest treaty between Ireland and America, under which both countries have agreed closer co-operation in the investigation of crime, represents a blatant negation of the democratic process.

It is unacceptable that an agreement which effectively gives far-reaching powers to CIA agents to operate on Irish soil, has been clinched without affording the public an opportunity to discuss the issues involved.

Clinched last week by Justice Minister Michael McDowell and the US Ambassador to Ireland, James Kenny, the crime and terror pact effectively seals a deal signed between the United States and the European Union in June 2003.