Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

176. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legal basis for the restrictions against bringing 100 ml of liquids aboard aircraft; his views on whether these restrictions continue to be justified over two decades after their introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21204/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In accordance with the existing EU regulations on civil aviation security, LAGs (liquids, aerosols and gels) are not prohibited articles. They can be carried by passengers into the cabin of the aircraft provided that they are screened by appropriate security equipment (liquid explosive detection equipment or LEDs).

Union regulations contain specifications for such technology and lists the currently available equipment approved for that purpose. The 100ml containers in the carry-on bags are currently an exception to this rule, that is, liquids not screened by LEDs that can be carried on board.

Airports may procure and deploy the abovementioned security technology for the screening of LAGs exceeding the 100ml capacity. The decision to do so (or not) is for airports to make. Irish airports are moving in the direction of deploying technology that would allow the lifting of LAG restrictions for passengers. Any airports not currently fully equipped with the new technology have equipment replacement plans in place that will see the relevant technology being deployed.

Airports not yet equipped with the necessary technology must continue to apply restrictions in accordance with EU regulation by rejecting LAGs above 100ml.