Mr. James Gavin:

To counter the threat of an attack on a civil aircraft leading to substantial loss of life, economic damage and whatever destruction that might take place, the IAA ensures that there is implementation of appropriate and risk-based measures. That is led by the Commission and all the member states. We are constantly adjusting our mitigating measures to achieve the highest level of security while minimising adverse effects on operations. Regulated entities and categories of entities include airport operators, which include passenger and cabin screening, and air carriers, which include the actual aircraft searches and protection. This involves not only Irish air carriers but every air carrier that depart from the State. Others include regulated agents, which involves screening of cargo that may have been transported by air, known consigners, which were mentioned by Ms Lennon and which secure cargo consignments at the source of production, regulated suppliers, and in-flight suppliers such as those supplying coffee, tea and blankets on board aircraft. At State level, one finds An Garda Síochána. The aviation security regime is part of a wider State security programme that is co-ordinated by An Garda Síochána, but in terms of aviation security, it comes under our regulation as well and indeed the air navigation service providers within the State, including our counterparts in the IAA.