Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2023
191. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a schedule of the measures he plans to put in place in 2023 to enhance airport security and passenger screening at Dublin Airport. [14553/23]
View answerMy Department, through the National Air Transportation Facilitation Committee (NATFaC) have convened a Summer 2023 Readiness Subgroup, which is meeting regularly to discuss preparations for what is expected to be a very busy summer season for air travel. Membership of the subgroup includes air carriers, airport operators, air navigation service providers, ground handlers and immigration authorities.
Security queueing times at Dublin Airport have been good in a very busy first quarter with virtually all passengers being processed in less than 30 minutes and over 90% of passengers being processed within 20 minutes. daa have advised my Department that there is significant recruitment and training of security staff ongoing at Dublin Airport and that they are confident in their plans for the peak Summer period. Contingency plans are also in place should they be required.
On the standard of security screening, aviation security is highly regulated at international, European and national levels and all regulated entities, including airport operators, are required to comply with rigorous standards and are subject to national and international oversight.
Inspections and testing of security controls at Irish airports are conducted at national level by the IAA in accordance with EU Regulation 18/2010, and at European level by the European Commission in accordance with EU Regulation 72/2010. The results of these inspections are evaluated, and corrective actions and system improvements are implemented where required.
I cannot comment on specific aspects of aviation security operations as this is highly security-sensitive.
