Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

People the world over have an innate fear of flying because of global terrorism. The findings and revelations by the European Civil Aviation Conference of the consequences of an inspection carried out at Dublin Airport led to these fears being exacerbated. People will be concerned at the revelations contained in media reports that inspectors were able to smuggle dangerous objects such as knives, other instruments and even a replica bomb through the screening system. These security breaches will send worrying signals to the United States authorities which are currently involved in a review of airport security systems and anti-terrorist activities.

In view of the seriousness of these revelations and the extraordinary comment made by the Dublin Airport Authority that passenger safety was not compromised, has the Government sought a report from the Irish Aviation Authority on how these breaches have occurred? Is it because of the inadequate screening ability of the equipment used by the personnel at the airport who are courteous but always under pressure? What steps are being taken to ensure similar breaches do not occur at other Irish airports and will there be an audit of security at those airports?

Has the Taoiseach asked the Dublin Airport Authority to supply details of the situation to the Government so we can be sure that passenger safety has not been compromised and that those who must shuffle through the corral on a daily basis do so in the firm knowledge that their safety is not compromised and that persons either before or behind them in the line are not carrying dangerous weapons such as knives and replica bombs which will go undetected by the screening systems used in Dublin Airport? I hope the Government will address this matter of serious concern and respond appropriately.

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