Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
583. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice if additional staff have been deployed to ensure there are no prolonged delays for workers undergoing the new enhanced background check given such delays cause difficulties for workers and business alike; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11213/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, enhanced background check requirements are now in place for persons working in restricted areas in airports in line with updated European regulatory requirements.
The measure is aimed at mitigating the potential threats to civil aviation from terrorism and to protect civil aviation from risk of unlawful interference.
I can inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with stakeholders, has over the past year worked with the Department of Transport to ensure the necessary measures are in place to facilitate implementation of the Regulation.
This work has included a review of the arrangements across all stakeholders to ensure efficiency in processing these enhanced checks. I am aware that this includes additional personnel being assigned to the necessary processing areas in An Garda Síochána. I understand that implementation of these background checks is subject to ongoing monitoring and review in conjunction with the State bodies concerned.
