Let gardaí investigate ‘torture jet’ reports

IT has been reported that the jet used by the US authorities to transport prisoners for torture has been seen using Shannon airport.

I have seen it on more than one occasion and would be concerned that it is bringing people to places like Guantanamo Bay to be tortured and held without trial. This is a matter of grave concern, especially as Ireland has ratified the UN convention against torture.

Neither the Taoiseach nor Justice Minister McDowell has commented on this despite Mr McDowell’s promise to the Seanad to ‘respond immediately’ if any evidence emerged that this might be happening.

Last Saturday I, along with three others, lodged formal written complaints with the gardaí at Shannon, asking them to report possible crimes under the Criminal Justice (UN Convention Against Torture) Act 2000.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea has been reported as saying he had made ‘initial enquiries’ to the Department of Foreign Affairs and had concluded that no such crimes had taken place.

The gardaí at Shannon seemed not to know about this, as none of the aircraft has ever been inspected.

If these crimes are being committed at Shannon, it is a matter for the gardaí to investigate and the Government should co-operate fully with any criminal investigation.

I hope that any material discovered by the departments of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice or Transport will be handed over to the gardaí without delay.

Tim Hourigan

12 Cedar Court

Kennedy Park

Limerick.