271 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to change the law here to ensure that Irish airports are not used for illegal rendition flights and that aircraft involved in such activity are subject to proper inspection by authorities here; and if he will legislate accordingly. [2882/11]

The Cabinet Committee on aspects of international human rights which was established in October, 2008 to review the Programme for Government commitments in relation to extraordinary rendition agreed that the statutory powers currently available to the civil and police authorities regarding search and inspection of aircraft, including those under the Air Navigation and Transport Acts, should be examined. That process is underway but no conclusions have yet been reached.