The leader of the House, Mary O'Rourke, said she was not happy to abandon proposals for the establishment of a select committee to examine claims about the use of Shannon Airport by the US for the illegal transport of prisoners, but she had realised that her Fiann Fáil colleagues in the Seanad would not support her on the matter.
David Norris (Ind) said last December that Mrs O'Rourke had given what seemed to be a clear commitment that such a committee would be established. However, he understood it was now dead in the water.
"We are entitled to know why it has been shut down, especially in view of the performance of this grey little Government that seems so intimidated by the United States authorities and even by councillors in the Shannon area. The secret will out and the Government's action seems very much like evidence of a guilty conscience. It is worried about something."
Paul Bradford (FG) said the central issue was to establish the truth about what was or was not happening. It would be regrettable if they were to renege on a commitment the leader of the House, he and others had given to put in place such a committee.
Paschal Mooney (FF) said that in view of the assurance by the US secretary of state that nothing illegal was going on in the US use of Shannon, it would be extremely dangerous to the relationship between this country and America to turn around and indicate that somehow they were telling lies. Was Mr Norris prepared to sacrifice jobs and the interests of those in the Shannon area?
Mr Norris: "So, it is a question of jobs versus torture."
Mr Mooney: "If he wants to do that, I will not stand over it."
Mr Norris: "So it is a question of murky morality. Morality for sale."
Tim Dooley (FF) said setting up a select committee would insult a friendly nation.
Mrs O'Rourke said on Wednesday last, it had been brought to her attention that there was considerable disquiet among Fianna Fáil senators on the matter. She realised it would be defeated if it was put to a vote.