Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy has picked up on an issue that colleagues have raised with me during the past week, that is, that there should be at least one access point in the security system for those with no hand luggage. We agree with the Deputy on that point. I do not regard a ten or 15 minute wait as excessive. All Members have had the experience of travelling through airports throughout the world. I have queued at many airports for 40 or 50 minutes. That is the way it is. Certainly heightened security post-11 September 2001 has impacted greatly on ease of access and travel. The matter of shoes is an issue, given the way in which items can be concealed in them and they have to be checked. In regard to health and safety issues, I would expect all those involved are aware of their obligation.

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