Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the new EU civil aviation regulations in respect of the prohibition of the carrying of ammunition in hold baggage (details supplied); if this will have an impact on Irish tourism and sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14676/10]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 448: To ask the Minister for Transport if the new EU civil aviation regulations in respect of the prohibition of the carrying of ammunition in hold baggage will not apply to the system traditionally used by target shooters and hunters of transporting ammunition in a separate lockable box in hold baggage in view of the fact that this would have an enormous impact on Irish tourism and Irish sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14677/10]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 450: To ask the Minister for Transport if the system of target shooters and hunters transporting ammunition in a separate lockable box in their hold luggage will be prohibited under the new civil aviation regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14860/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 444, 448 and 450 together.

Civil aviation security at EU airports is governed by Regulations (EC) Nos. 300/2008 and, 185/2010, which are due to come into effect on 29 April 2010. The Annex to Regulation (EC) No. 185/2010 contains a list of items that are prohibited from being carried in the hold of an aircraft. This list of prohibited items is available to the public.

Among the items listed as prohibited from being carried in the hold of an aircraft is ammunition. However, according to point 5.4.2 of the Annex to Regulation (EC) 185/2010, exemptions may be granted on condition that the appropriate authority has national rules permitting the carriage of the article and, that applicable safety rules are complied with.

To date Ireland has allowed for the carrying of ammunition in hold baggage provided that certain conditions are complied with. We intend, in common with most EU Member States to continue to permit the carriage of ammunition in hold baggage provided that it is declared and transported in accordance with Dangerous Goods Regulations and it is the policy of the air carrier in question to allow for the carriage of such items.