Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

725. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received a report on the bomb scare incident in Dublin airport; if he is happy with the contents of this report; if he will make that report public; if he is happy that evacuation protocols were followed correctly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52007/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will appreciate it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the detail of communications with An Garda Síochána in relation to specific incidents or operations. Moreover aviation security matters are highly confidential and are not put into the public domain for that reason.

That said, the protection of the travelling public is the first priority of airport authorities, airlines and state security actors. Aviation security is highly regulated at international, European and national levels and all regulated entities, including airport operators, are required to comply with rigorous standards when screening passengers, baggage and other items carried by aircraft. There are processes for escalation when items cannot be cleared to travel, and airport authorities, An Garda Síochána and others prioritise the safety and security of staff and passengers as these processes are implemented.

There are well established mechanisms for the reporting and investigation of safety and security incidents in aviation. The Department of Transport which chairs the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) has procedures in place to consider such matters alongside relevant Departments across Government, including my Department, An Garda Síochána and others. I am satisfied that the incident referred to by the Deputy will, in line with these standard procedures, be reviewed by the relevant authorities.