asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport, in relation to the Lockerbie disaster, if warnings about the potential for a terrorist bombing were received by Irish authorities in advance; if so, their nature; their source; the actions which were taken; and when these actions were taken.
Written Answers. - Lockerbie Disaster.
84.
Before the Lockerbie disaster, the Irish authorities were in receipt of intelligence about the potential for a terrorist bombing which, because of the nature of the intelligence, might have referred to civil aviation. I am afraid that I cannot reveal the details or source of this intelligence but I can tell the House that, acting on it, appropriate preventive measures were adopted at our airports. I would prefer not to go into the details, mainly because policy has always been to give no details of specific security initiatives. I believe this policy to be soundly based on the premise that giving such details might prove counterproductive.
As the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Denis Lyons, told the House on 23 February 1989, I asked for a speedy review of civil aviation security by the National Civil Aviation Security Committee after the Lockerbie disaster. This review was completed some time ago and as a result steps have been taken to increase the level of security at Irish airports.
I am satisfied, without being in any way complacent, that we can have confidence in our aviation security arrangements.