Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputies Howlin and Burton in respect of these matters. Deputy Howlin raised the reports in a Sunday newspaper regarding the presentation of gifts and the leasing of land. I will ensure that the matter is investigated fully.

We also need a review of the scrutiny of personnel. In most cases, there are points beyond which people cannot go because they do not have clearance. I am sure that the system at Dublin Airport is quite sophisticated. Clearly, there has been a breach. A scam operation that has been going on has allowed certain people who have come to this country to avoid making their way through to passport and immigration control. As Deputy Burton has pointed out, this is people-smuggling. As Deputy Durkan said, it is important for security matters at all our airports and ports to be considered at the highest level. I remind the House that we have pre-clearance in Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport for the United States. It is clear that these issues are rightly of concern to every country, but particularly so for the US and its Department of Homeland Security, as it has stated. It is very important for Ireland to be absolutely clear, accurate, competent, vigilant and professional in how it goes about its business here. A lapse has been identified thanks to the Garda and the arrests it made. The courts will deal with that matter. This is something that interests the entire country. It is a question of our national integrity.

See this speech in context