Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2004
136 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to reports in a Sunday newspaper (details supplied) to the effect that a reporter was able to clear security at Shannon airport in spite of having bomb-making components in their luggage on one occasion and in their hand luggage on another occasion; if he will carry out an investigation into this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18981/04]
View answerI am aware of the allegations contained in the Sunday newspaper referred to by the Deputy.
I have been advised that the baggage of the reporter presented at the check-in desk at Dublin Airport for an outward flight to Shannon Airport and at the passenger screening point for a return flight from Shannon to Dublin Airport did not contain any prohibited articles or materials which could cause an act of unlawful interference against civil aviation.
I am aware that the security screening equipment at Irish airports operates to internationally recognised standards and that the performance of screening personnel is kept under continuous review. If the baggage of the reporter contained any explosives or other prohibited articles, these would be detected through the screening processes.
Aviation security arrangements at Irish airports are kept under continuous review by my Department and the national civil aviation security committee. The committee is chaired by a senior official from my Department. The committee comprises representatives of Departments, Aer Rianta, airlines, the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, Customs and Excise, An Post, Irish Aviation Authority, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association and the regional airports.
