People the world over have an innate fear of flying because of global terrorism. The findings and revelations by the European Civil Aviation Conference of the consequences of an inspection carried out at Dublin Airport led to these fears being exacerbated. People will be concerned at the revelations contained in media reports that inspectors were able to smuggle dangerous objects such as knives, other instruments and even a replica bomb through the screening system. These security breaches will send worrying signals to the United States authorities which are currently involved in a review of airport security systems and anti-terrorist activities.

In view of the seriousness of these revelations and the extraordinary comment made by the Dublin Airport Authority that passenger safety was not compromised, has the Government sought a report from the Irish Aviation Authority on how these breaches have occurred? Is it because of the inadequate screening ability of the equipment used by the personnel at the airport who are courteous but always under pressure? What steps are being taken to ensure similar breaches do not occur at other Irish airports and will there be an audit of security at those airports?

Has the Taoiseach asked the Dublin Airport Authority to supply details of the situation to the Government so we can be sure that passenger safety has not been compromised and that those who must shuffle through the corral on a daily basis do so in the firm knowledge that their safety is not compromised and that persons either before or behind them in the line are not carrying dangerous weapons such as knives and replica bombs which will go undetected by the screening systems used in Dublin Airport? I hope the Government will address this matter of serious concern and respond appropriately.

This is a matter of serious concern to the Government. The travelling public, particularly those who travel by air, are aware of the security issues arising from what has happened in many countries over the last four or five years. People understand the necessity of security searches and the delays which sometimes arise as a consequence. The Department of Transport conducts regular security inspections and tests of aviation facilities and operations at Irish airports. This work is ongoing but is not flagged for obvious reasons. In addition, aviation facilities and operators at airports are subject to audit by the European Union and the European Civil Aviation Conference in partnership with the Department of Transport.

The Government has sought a detailed report of how these matters arose and what is required as a consequence. That would happen in the normal course of an audit following any such breaches. It is a matter of concern that during this particular audit, a number of control tests by the inspectors breached security arrangements. As is normal in these situations, action is taken either on the spot or quickly thereafter to rectify the weaknesses. Officials of the Department of Transport and the Dublin Airport Authority were on hand quickly to ensure all appropriate action was taken and that the security breaches identified were addressed immediately. This particular audit started on Monday morning and was scheduled to run until tomorrow. I am unsure how its continuation will be handled now that the details have emerged. It may be rescheduled for another time.

I agree with Deputy Kenny that security at airports is paramount. Whatever is necessary after any of these audits will be done. We are obliged to ensure audits are undertaken frequently either by departmental or EU officials. Deputy Kenny observed that the people doing these jobs are courteous and work very hard. Some of them have pointed out to me that delays are inevitable if they check everything, particularly if they get quite finicky about every issue as the public probably wants them to be. One member of staff contacted me last night to tell me how the knife was concealed and how detailed a process would be required to follow through on all these issues.

However, this may be what is required. If an incident takes place on an airplane all hell breaks loose. I understand the difficulties for the staff but there seems to be no way around this. Despite rumours to the contrary last night, no guns or live ammunition were used in the course of the security tests on Monday or yesterday.

I thank the Taoiseach for telling us that he sought a report from the Irish Aviation Authority. That report should be published and the appropriate action taken as set out in its recommendations. The Taoiseach did not say whether there are to be audits at other airports to ensure a comprehensive overview. It seems from media reports that it is not a question of how the knife was concealed but of where it was concealed. People who have hip operations say to me they sometimes set off the metal detector going through the airport. Are the facilities to detect knives or replica bombs inadequate? It would put the fear of God into anybody to think that a person in the same queue to board a plane travelling to America or elsewhere would smuggle equipment onto that plane for terrorist purposes.

Twenty-eight outbound flights were delayed this morning. The early morning flights before 8 a.m. will always be affected seriously by this. Over 18 million people will pass through Dublin airport this year. The Taoiseach and other members of the Government do not have to shuffle through the corral before reaching the point where they have to present their tickets or shuffle through the screening systems. However, consideration must be had for the travelling public. The officials should be able to do their business safely without compromising the public in terms of time.

In this regard one should consider the dithering by Government in recent years over a second airport terminal. If this facility existed to deal with 18 million passengers per annum, it would make it more convenient for people to do their business and travel inwards and outwards. The number of passengers is to increase to 30 million per annum over the next ten to 15 years. The Government should make a decision on the second terminal and conduct an audit of the airports to determine whether the facilities available to the staff are capable of detecting concealed knives.

In reply to Deputy Kenny's questions, there are audits of Dublin Airport and the other airports. The point I was making is that they are not signalled in advance. This would obviously undermine their purpose, which is to ensure that security checks are carried out.

In respect of the report in question and all other reports, the facilities are examined in detail and changes or recommendations for whatever is required are either implemented on the spot or immediately thereafter. Equipment, technology or other measures required to ensure we have the best security are always put in place. I do not believe there are any difficulties about any of these issues. If there are, the Airport Authority and the Minister can deal with them. The Minister has already asked for a report in this case and normally receives such reports. The Department of Transport will deal with the matter.

Of course the Government is addressing the issues associated with the growing numbers using our airports. The new Aer Lingus terminal is only open for two years. The existing facilities are very modern. A considerable construction job has been done on the existing terminal, which is only a new terminal. However, there are plans afoot for the future because the numbers are growing. It is likely that we will have 25 million passengers per annum in the next decade.

The staff that undertake security work are trained, well qualified and competent. However, whenever a breach occurs, the problem must be rectified, as it will be in this case.