Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of US planes whose cargo is not clearly identified that have been searched by the Irish security forces; the reason searches have not occurred in all instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17192/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand that, pursuant to Article 29 of the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, all aircraft, if engaged in international air navigation and carrying cargo, must carry a manifest and detailed declarations of the cargo, in conformity with the conditions prescribed in the Convention. Accordingly, it would appear that the scenario envisaged by the Deputy is not one that could or should arise.

In my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 17 and 18 of 2 February, 2006, I outlined the circumstances in which the Garda Síochána could and would engage in the inspection of an aircraft as part of a criminal investigation.