Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004
825 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the use of air marshalls in air traffic using Irish airspace by US or otherwise owned aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1717/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, in consultation with the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, NCASC, is, as part of an ongoing review of in-flight security since 11 September, examining the US emergency regulations requiring the deployment of armed trained Government law enforcement officers on specific US flights which may be subject to a particular security alert. The NCASC which is chaired by a senior official from my Department comprises representatives of Departments, the Garda Síochána, airlines, Aer Rianta, the Defence Forces, An Post, Customs and Excise, the Irish Aviation Authority, the Irish Airline Pilots Association and the regional airports.
As soon as all the security, safety, legal, cost and other relevant issues have been assessed and account taken of the views of all parties, including the Garda Síochána, pilots, the Irish Aviation Authority, airlines etc., I will bring forward specific proposals for consideration by Government. I expect to be in a position to do this in the near future.
