A cautious welcome has been given to a report that the Government is to approach the incoming US administration on the issue of extraordinary renditions and on the US military's use of Shannon Airport.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) welcomed the development, which was reported in this morning's edition of The Irish Times.
However, ICCL director Mr Mark Kelly claimed it came "at the eleventh hour" after the Government "realised that the writing is on the wall where its longstanding collusion in rendition is concerned."
Mr Kelly added: "Playing poacher turned gamekeeper is unlikely to impress the new US administration.”
Questioning if the Government's move "is driven by principle as opposed to political expediency," Mr Kelly said "far more action" would be required "before the ICCL is convinced that the Government’s renewed interest in the protection of human rights”.
This morning's edition of The Irish Times reported that the Government had set up a Cabinet committee on aspects of international human rights. The committee, it was reported, has agreed that the Government will contact the transition team of the new US presidential administration seeking a clear commitment that extraordinary rendition and interrogation techniques which are considered torture (such as waterboarding) will cease.
The Government will also ask the new administration to close the detention facility in Guantánamo Bay as soon as possible.
The Cabinet committee will examine and strengthen legal provisions to ensure that gardaí and airport authorities have adequate legal powers for search and inspection of aircraft. This may involve strengthening the provisions of the Air Navigation and Transport Acts.