Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 159: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he has taken to enhance the co-operation between his Department and other Government Departments regarding the increase in security measures at small airfields; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43661/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Following events involving Weston aerodrome this autumn, I informed the House that I would commence a process within my Department to audit the actions being taken at Weston Aerodrome and other airfields. Since then, my officials have been in discussions with An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. Both organisations are generally satisfied with the level of cooperation that exists between them. However, it has been agreed that enhanced arrangements should be put in place for liaison between the Gardaí and Customs at local and regional levels particularly in the context of small airfields.

I am also informed that the Revenue Commissioners are carrying out a review of their arrangements at small airports. This review is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. It is likely that the review will deal, inter alia, with risk assessments, intelligence driven operations and spot checks at these airports.