Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

We should be more balanced with regard to the issue on the day. By and large the security system was excellent. A few issues were pointed out. From my reading of the issue, the more serious failures were with the airlines, not within the airport. I say that without fear or favour. There are specific areas in aeroplanes that must be checked every time. Objects were placed in those areas that had to be checked but they were not checked. That is extremely serious. The response from the airlines and the authority has been excellent. I understand from the security personnel involved that regular checks are carried out throughout the airport and to my knowledge nothing untoward has gone wrong. On the particular day in question there was not a huge number of lapses. There were a couple of areas where the system did not work and that was rightly pointed out. I welcome unannounced security checks at Dublin airport.

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