Written answers

Tuesday, 27 January 2009

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Aircraft Searches

9:00 pm

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 650: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a search was conducted of a plane (details supplied) which landed at Shannon on 8 January 2009 and remained for a few days to ascertain whether white phosphorous was on board; and if not, his views on suggesting that Garda authorities arrange for a search of the plane on any future stopover. [1577/09]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The question of searches is a Garda operational matter but in particular instances, I remind the Deputy that, while statutory powers of search are available to the Garda at present, and which apply to aircraft as much as to any other type of private property, such powers can only be exercised in accordance with the law. Accordingly, they can only be exercised in circumstances in which a member of the Garda reasonably suspects that an offence is being, or has been, committed. These provisions do not confer a power of entry for the purpose of a random check. I refer the Deputy to the response to Question No. 747 of today to my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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