Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Lahart for raising this matter. I understand his concerns, particularly those on the inconvenience that will be caused to customs officers and others affected by the regulations. Aviation security is a highly regulated area, to which international agreements and EU rules and regulations apply. Elements of it are, naturally enough, highly confidential and that means that I am restricted in what I can say in this debate. I am also restricted in what I know. I am sure that the Deputy will understand that.

What I can advise the House is that aviation security remains a priority area at national and EU level. It is under constant review and scrutiny in response to new intelligence on threats and risks. Ireland is obliged play its part in the international effort to make flying as secure and safe as possible. If we aspire to be a highly connected nation, we need to make sure our international airports are up to international best standards in security terms. The past decade and more has seen a significant step-up in how airports and aircraft are secured. That is for the benefit of all, even if it has introduced some inconvenience. That is always the balance that needs to be struck, namely, the level of inconvenience versus doing what needs to be done to make sure people are safe.

Aviation security is highly regulated by international agreements under the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, and European regulations. The State is committed to implementing best international practice in this field. In Ireland the national civil aviation security programme sets the standards for civil aviation security. The programme reflects what is required under EU Regulation No. 300/2008. It is reviewed and updated annually by the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, NCASC, which includes several Departments, including representatives of the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, the State airports and the main airlines operating in Ireland.

In accordance with the agreed 2018 security programme which provided for enhanced airport security measures on 1 June 2018, my Department issued notice that the long-held access exemptions of Revenue officials and the Airport Police were to be revoked and replaced with new screening procedures. Work has been ongoing at the airports in preparation for the introduction of the new procedures which will take effect from 30 January 2019. What this means in practice is that these staff will no longer have unchecked access to the designated secure areas of the airport. Instead, they will have to undergo security checks. It will be a quick and streamlined process, with special facilities provided.

The Deputy should be aware that this is not an arbitrary step but part of a programme of security enhancements. The specific measures in question have been subject to a detailed risk assessment by the Irish Aviation Authority which is responsible for regulating aviation security. Moreover, the measures were also informed by findings and recommendations contained in a confidential report by the Paris-based European Civil Aviation Conference which was invited to review and audit security arrangements at Dublin Airport in early 2018. It has been made quite clear to all involved that personnel will continue to be exempt from security screening if they are responding to an emergency without delay. The Department has been in regular communications with Revenue management, airport management and the Airport Police. Much work has been undertaken at all of the airports to communicate the procedures and protocols that will be put in place. The introduction of the new measures will improve security practices at airports which are in everyone’s best interests.

See this speech in context