Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has welcomed the commitment by new US president Barack Obama to review US policy on so-called extraordinary rendition, under which individuals are transferred to third countries for interrogation.
The system has been consistently criticised by human rights bodies, some of whom have claimed that Irish airports have been used as stopover points for US military aircraft transferring detainees to the Guantanamo detention centre in Cuba.
Mr Martin said he also welcomed the signature by Mr Obama today of four executive orders that will result in the closure of Guantanamo within a year.
“Ireland has consistently called for the closure of Guantanamo and the bringing to trial or release of detainees held there,” Mr Martin said.
On the second day of his presidency, Mr Obama today signed an executive order to close Guantanamo within one year. The orders also pledge his administration to dealing appropriately with the detainees, either by prosecuting them, returning them to their home countries, releasing them or transferring them to a third country.
In a statement, Mr Martin said: "I warmly commend President Obama for his determination to close Guantanamo in the shortest possible time. It is highly significant that he has moved on this issue so quickly.
“As I have previously stated, Ireland is ready in this new context to examine how we may be supportive of the United States Government as it proceeds towards the closure of this detention centre. I will be discussing with my EU colleagues on Monday how the European Union might approach the issue.”
Mr Martin said he also welcomed Mr Obama’s order in relation to interrogation methods, which he said would have the effect of clearly prohibiting the use of torture or any enhanced interrogation techniques tantamount to torture.
“It is also most important that the CIA is to close all existing detention facilities and is prohibited from operating detention facilities in the future.”
“Finally, in respect of extraordinary rendition, which Ireland has consistently opposed, I welcome the commitment to review US policy for transferring individuals to third countries to be sure that it complies with all obligations and is sufficient to ensure that individuals do not face torture and cruel treatment if transferred.”
“I believe that this highly significant set of decisions by President Obama represents an historic new beginning in joint EU-US efforts to uphold and promote human rights, and will be welcomed by all friends of the United States.”