Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Airport Security

7:00 pm

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 10: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements his Department has made for protecting Shannon Airport from possible attack; if his Department liaises with the US authorities on the use of Shannon for the transportation of US troops to the Middle East; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the new US Secretary of Defence has stated that the US is a country at war; his views on whether Shannon should cease to be a hub for the transportation of US troops and supplies to the theatre of war in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38352/06]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 51: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to reported comments made by an Islamic cleric, Omar Bakri Mohammed in which he appeared to suggest that Irish airports might be targets for terrorist groups; if an assessment has been undertaken of such a potential threat; the outcome of such a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41917/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 51 together.

Aviation security arrangements at Irish airports are kept under continuous review by both the Department of Transport and the National Civil Aviation Security Committee. That Committee is chaired by the Department of Transport, and both my Department and the Garda Síochána are represented on it, together with a range of other key stakeholders.

I understand that the Department of Transport conducts regular security inspections and tests of aviation facilities and all operators at Irish airports. These facilities and operators are also subject to audit by the European Union, European Civil Aviation Conference and International Civil Aviation Organisation, in partnership with the Department of Transport. Moreover, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the protection of Shannon Airport is governed by a dedicated protection order, which is subject to continual review and modification in line with prevailing threat and risk assessments.

In addition to these site-specific measures, the Garda Síochána maintains an up-to-date assessment of the threat to this State from international terrorist groups through analysis of intelligence gathered from domestic and international sources. Moreover, the Garda Síochána has developed excellent lines of communication and co-operation with security and intelligence services in the European Union and further afield. This ongoing sharing of intelligence enables a rapid operational response to be put in place where circumstances so warrant.

It is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to comment on specific alleged threats or measures taken in response to ongoing security issues. It suffices to say, however, that all threats are assessed by the Garda Síochána and appropriate measures taken, where necessary.

With regard to liaison with the US authorities on flights, 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, As required, my Department is consulted by the Departments of Transport and/or Foreign Affairs in this regard.

In relation to the use of Shannon Airport by the US, I would remind the House that Ireland has been making overflight and landing facilities available to the US for a period of more than fifty years. Ireland has never withdrawn or suspended those facilities at any stage during that period. Moreover, it will be recalled that, on 20 March, 2003, following extensive debate, this House approved the Government's decision not to withdraw such facilities.

I am aware of the comments attributed to the US Secretary of Defence. These are a matter for that official. With respect to Iraq, my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, has noted that the presence of multi-national forces in Iraq has been mandated by a succession of UN Security Council Resolutions, most recently renewed in Resolution 1637 of 8 November, 2005. Moreover, Security Council Resolution 1546 of June 2004 requested Member States of the United Nations to provide assistance to these multi-national forces.

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