Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 February 2022
184. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport when a centralised system for processing enhanced security checks for air travel workers was introduced in Ireland; the decision-making process behind using a centralised system for the process; the reason that Shannon Airport is no longer directly processing such security checks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9187/22]
View answerArrangements were put in place to implement new enhanced background check requirements for a significant number of aviation employees from 1 January 2022. This was in line with updated European regulatory requirements aimed at guarding against the threat posed to civil aviation by terrorist activity.
These arrangements included the designation of daa as the centralised gateway through which applications for background check data are routed. An Garda Síochána requested a single point of origin for applications and a single first point of receipt of results. Daa was the only organisation with the personnel and infrastructure to deliver this service from 1 January.
Daa is undertaking this role on an interim basis and my Department is exploring options for the permanent location of this service.
