Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to discuss this matter. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for formulating policy in the area of aviation security. I also have a statutory function to ensure the monitoring of compliance by airports, airlines and other relevant entities with national and international aviation security requirements. This function is carried out by my Department through the implementation of a comprehensive quality control programme at Irish State and regional airports which aims to ensure that security at Irish airports is at, or exceeds, best international practice.

It is important, however, to note that the actual implementation of security measures at individual airports within the State is, for operational reasons, a matter for the individual airport operator concerned, which, in the case of Cork Airport, is the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA. Therefore, when breaches of security of the kind that occurred in Cork last Sunday happen, it is the responsibility of the DAA in the first instance to deal with the matter.

I have been in contact with the DAA on the matter and it informs me that, on Sunday last, a male driving a Garda jeep at high speed breached the security fence close to the airport's cargo area, gaining access to the ramp area at approximately 4.45 p.m. It subsequently emerged that this man had stolen the jeep from a garda on Patrick Street in Cork city, following a violent assault with a knife. Cork Airport Police immediately responded to the incident and gardaí were notified of the incursion. I understand that at no point did any vehicle enter the live runway area. However, as a precaution air traffic control was notified to hold all flights to prevent any landings during this period. I further understand that, following a chase lasting some minutes, the Garda emergency response unit arrived on the scene and, with the assistance of the Airport Police, restrained the man with the aid of a Taser. He was then arrested and taken into custody.

During the incident at the airport, a garda was injured and some vehicles were badly damaged. I am sure the Deputy will join me in commending all those involved in resolving this incident for their contribution and their bravery on the day. I believe this is the first such incident of its type in the history of Cork Airport. Furthermore, based on current information, I am informed that it appears unlikely this was a premeditated act of unlawful interference with civil aviation. Rather, it was a criminal incident, albeit a very serious one.

Notwithstanding this, I note and share the Deputy's concern on this matter and, in particular, his view that, if possible, rectification measures need to be taken to ensure that the safety of all those using the airport is maintained and enhanced into the future. In this regard, it is worth commenting both on the actions taken immediately following the incident as well as planned future measures. I understand that immediately following the incident, the Garda sealed the area as a crime scene. Furthermore, I understand that all stands and taxi-ways were fully secured in accordance with standard operating procedures prior to being released into operation. Finally, until the fence breach was closed, an airport police officer and a garda were stationed at the gap to prevent further unauthorised access. The fence was repaired within hours and is now fully operational again.

It is worth noting that the perimeter fencing is regularly inspected and patrolled by the Airport Police. The fencing is the same type as is used in the vast majority of airports across the EU and beyond. It complies fully with the European security regulations as laid down in my Department's national civil aviation security programme, which itself is based on the highest international standards set down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

I know this incursion by a vehicle into the critical part of a security-restricted area is being taken very seriously by the DAA and that a review is being undertaken by the Cork Airport security officer, with the assistance of senior security personnel from Shannon Airport and from the health and safety, security and environment department of the DAA. This review will consider what reasonably practical additional measures can and should be deployed to reduce the risk of a recurrence of such an incident. I believe that a review of the incident is also being undertaken by the Garda, the results of which may also contribute to ensuring that the likelihood of such a random and in many ways abnormal event happening in the future are significantly reduced. The outcome of this review may be relevant to all other Irish and EU airports.

See this speech in context