Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has repeatedly stated that any person with credible information that Irish airports have been used for any alleged unlawful purpose should report his or her concerns to the Garda Síochána. It remains the case that on the basis of such reporting or any other information on foot of which the Garda Síochána has reasonable cause to suspect that an offence is being committed, statutory powers of entry and arrest are available subject to international law.

To date, where complaints of alleged unlawful activity concerning the use of Irish airports have been made to the Garda Síochána, Garda investigations have ensued and, where appropriate, files have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. In all cases, no further action was found to be warranted, owing to a lack of evidence of unlawful activity.

Having regard to the foregoing, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform considers that all reasonable, appropriate and sufficient measures have been and are being taken to ensure that Irish airports are not being used for unlawful activity.

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