Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Transport and the Marine if he is satisfied with levels of security at Shannon Airport following the recent attacks in the UK; the reduction in employees at Shannon Airport following the restructuring agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19646/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Regulation (EC) No. 2320/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation security has been in force since January 2003. This Regulation and a number of implementing regulations have been adopted into our National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).

I am satisfied that the aviation security practices and procedures implemented at Irish airports including at Shannon Airport, conform to the highest standards set down in the European Union common rules. These practices and procedures are subject to monitoring by my Department's Aviation Security Division and are also the subject of periodic reviews by international organisations, such as the EU Commission and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

It is not the practice to comment on specific security measures in place or that may be implemented at the State's airports; however, aviation security arrangements at Irish airports are kept under continuous review by my Department and the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, which is chaired by a senior official from my Department. The Committee comprises representatives of Government Departments, State Airports, airlines, the Garda Siochana, the Defence Forces, Customs and Excise, An Post, Irish Aviation Authority, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association and the Regional Airports.