Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
442. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice if the cost of the additional Garda presence at Dublin Airport on the weekend beginning 4 June 2022 to supervise the security queues through departures has been reimbursed to the Exchequer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38154/22]
View answerAs outlined to the Deputy previously, the management of security screening queues through Dublin Airport is an operational matter for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). The Airport Police Service (APS), an operational unit of DAA, which is authorised by the Minister of Transport under the Air Navigation Acts, has responsibility for general policing and aviation security duties at the State airports in Dublin and Cork.
Neither I nor the Garda Commissioner have any role in, or responsibility for, security screening in departures areas of the State airports.
I have been advised by the Garda authorities, therefore, that the question of reimbursement does not arise, as Gardaí from Dublin Airport station were carrying out their statutory functions and duties in accordance An Garda Síochána’s mission of 'Keeping People Safe'. No Gardaí were involved in security screening - the role of Gardaí was focused on public safety and public reassurance.
