Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 243: To ask the Minister for Transport the level of security audits undertaken to monitor compliance with national and international aviation security standards by airlines, airports and other entities at each of the three main State airports at Cork, Shannon and Dublin for 2007; the number and frequency of those audits undertaken at each of the airports; if he has satisfied himself with the level of security at all three airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21768/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Aviation security at EU airports is governed by EU Regulation (EC) No. 300/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which came into force on 29 April 2008. This Regulation repealed Regulation (EC) No. 2320/2002 which established common Community rules in the field of civil aviation security and which had been in force since January 2003. This Regulation and a series of supplementary implementing Regulations have been adopted into our National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP). All Irish airports with regular commercial flights are required to comply with the requirements of the EU Regulations and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme.

I am satisfied that aviation security practices and procedures implemented at Irish airports conform to European Union common rules and to the highest standards internationally. These practices and procedures are subject to monitoring by my Department 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 or on monitoring activities carried out by my Department; 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, An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, Customs and Excise, An Post, Irish Aviation Authority, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association and the Regional Airports.