Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 1

Written Answers - Foreign Conflicts.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

417 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out an assessment of the possible impact on Ireland of a war in Iraq; and if measures have been prepared which could mitigate adverse impacts. [5336/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

In the event of a war in Iraq, or other similar international emergency, international civil aviation would be adversely affected and there may also be broader repercussions. The scale of any impact on Irelands aviation and tourism sectors would depend on the nature, scale and duration of any international conflict.

In their responses to the events of 11 September 2001 Irish airlines and airports have demonstrated their ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances affecting the global aviation sector.

Finally, Irish aviation security arrangements are being kept under continuous review in the current climate.