The Secretary General of the Celtic League has written to Irelands Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey, (see below) asking a number of questions about the use of Shannon Airport by the use military and also about the transit of so called rendition flights:
"Noel Dempsey, TD. The Department of Transport, Transport House, Kildare St., Dublin 2, Ireland. Tel: + 353 1 670 7444 or Local 1890 443 311 Email: info [at] ...
Dear Minister Noel Dempsey
Use of Shannon Airport by US Military
Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on behalf of the Celtic League on your appointment as the Republic of Ireland's new Aire Iompair agus Mara/Minister for Transport and the Marine, as of the 14 th June 2007.
Further I would like to garner what assurances you can give the League that Shannon Airport will not be used in the future, under your Ministry, by the US military as a stop over point to transport Iraqi prisoners to the USA, captured as a result of the war in the Middle East. If so, what is your justification for this?
In addition, could you explain how Irish Government involvement in the so called US rendition flights has compromised Ireland's policy of neutrality in recent years and will this mean that Ireland may in the future become more directly and actively involved in conflict situations. Specifically, are their any current plans for Shannon Airport, and/or other Irish airports in the Republic, to be used by foreign Governments in the development of war, by transporting their military personnel?
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot"
See also earlier items on Celtic News:
(voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site)
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
30/06/07