Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy referred to random checks. The Garda cannot check any property, and if it did, it could leave itself open to a claim for damages from the property owner. The Garda can only search a property if it can establish a reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed, or if there is a bench warrant.

Powers are granted to authorised officers under the Air Navigation Acts to board airplanes for specific purposes relating to examination and security. Under the Chicago Convention, airplanes are entitled to enter and leave countries and this right cannot be refused. We are examining the legislation in the context of the Chicago Convention.

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