Irish reaction: Opposition political parties were united in their criticism of the Government in the wake of the Council of Europe report that named Ireland as one of 14 European countries that colluded with the US over the unlawful transfer of prisoners.
Fine Gael foreign affairs spokesman Bernard Allen demanded that the Government release all information in its possession over the alleged use of Irish facilities. Mr Allen also called for a special debate in the Dáil to address the findings. "Any Irish involvement with the unlawful transfer of detainees is unacceptable and the charge being levelled against Ireland by the Council of Europe is an exceptionally serious one."
Labour party spokesman on European affairs Joe Costello said the Government now has "no excuse" for not inspecting US aircraft at Shannon airport suspected of carrying detainees. "According to the report, Shannon is indeed being used to as a stopover for refuelling flights involved in the unlawful transfer of prisoners."
The report "shows that the Government have been misleading the public on the role of Shannon airport", said Green Party chairman John Gormley.
"We have a responsibility under international law to ascertain what exactly is going on in our airspace," he added.
Amnesty International and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties said it sent a clear signal to governments in Europe and the US.