Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
697 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the nature of the security risks identified by the EU security audit of Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25388/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received formal notification of the findings of the EU Commission Audit Report of the security arrangements in place at Dublin Airport on Monday, May 14th 2012.
On security grounds, I am not in a position to publicly disclose the EU Commission's findings, other than to say that two particular deficiencies were identified which resulted in the activation of Article 15 of Regulation 72/2010. On this basis, some additional security procedures may be applied to aircraft departing from Dublin and arriving into other EU airports.
My Department has been working closely with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to ensure that the deficiencies identified by the Commission are rectified as soon as possible. Both issues that gave rise to Article 15 have been addressed and either resolved or additional measures put in place. My Department is working closely with the DAA and all relevant entities to ensure that the Article 15 restrictions are removed and that sustainable compliance with aviation security rules is ensured.
698 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which he became aware that Dublin Airport was failing an EU security audit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25389/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission inspection of Dublin Airport took place from 26 to 30 March 2012 and a number of deficiencies were identified and were outlined to my Department and the DAA on 30 March. Measures to address these were taken. A follow-up inspection was carried out on 2 and 3 May and I received indications on 11 May that a negative outcome was anticipated. I received formal notification of the Commission's findings on Monday, May 14 2012.
On security grounds, I am not in a position to publicly disclose the EU Commission's findings, other than to say that two particular deficiencies were identified which resulted in the activation of Article 15 of Regulation 72/2010. On this basis, some additional security procedures may be applied to aircraft departing from Dublin and arriving into other EU airports.
My Department has been working closely with the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to ensure that the deficiencies identified by the Commission are rectified as soon as possible. Both issues that gave rise to Article 15 have been addressed and either resolved or additional measures put in place. My Department is working closely with the DAA and all relevant entities to ensure that the Article 15 restrictions are removed and that sustainable compliance with aviation security rules is ensured.
