Statement by Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen TD
The Department of Transport conducts regular security inspections and tests of aviation facilities and operators at Irish Airports. In addition, aviation facilities and operators at Irish airports are subject to audit by the EU and European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in partnership with Department of Transport officials. Such an audit commenced at Dublin Airport on Monday, April 11th 2005 and is scheduled to conclude at 2pm Thursday, April 14th.
I have been advised that during this audit, breaches of Airport security were identified. On becoming aware of this, my Department immediately sought assurances from the Dublin Airport Authority that any security breaches identified were addressed with immediate effect. The Dublin Airport Authority has advised that such action has been taken. I have requested a full report on the matter from the Dublin Airport Authority and the relevant airline operators.
Senior officials from my Department have met this evening with senior management at the Dublin Airport Authority regarding the audit and have been advised of the measures taken. My officials will continue to be present at the Airport for the duration of the audit.
Security at our Airports is paramount and is taken extremely seriously by Government. My Department awaits the conclusion of this current audit and will scrutinize its findings carefully. As with all security audits, should the results require remedial action, such actions will be taken.
For security reasons, it is not the policy to publicise the outcome of inspections or audits.
ENDS
12th April 2005
Further information:
Dan Pender 01 6041090 / 087 2313415
Veronica Scanlan 01 6041087 / 087 6420633
