dublin airport yet to train staff in modern explosive trace detection system
18.07.05
An Airport Police shop steward said late last week that, although the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) purchased a modern explosive trace detection system two years ago, it has yet to train staff to use it. The DAA, however, insists that it has appropriate procedures to deal with any suspect packages.
Dublin Airport has no proper defence against explosives in unattended baggage, according to a letter sent to the Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, last meek. Newspapers suggest that current explosives detection equipment at the airport can only detect two relatively unsophisticated types of explosives.
'Staff are being put at constant risk having to deal with these situations [suspect baggage] on an hourly basis, without adequate equipment or training,' the shop steward said in the letter. The letter also claims that no extra security measures have been put in place at the airport since the London bombing, contrary to claims from Cullen.
A spokesman for the DAA said that the letter 'contains many serious inaccuracies', but refused to comment on the nature of them. 'It has been long-established practice at airports not to comment on specific issues relating to passenger security, as this information in itself could be used to undermine the effectiveness of passenger security measures,' she said.
The spokeswoman would not comment on whether security had increased since the London bombings, saying that senior airport management were appraised of any changes and staff were told where appropriate.
It is believed the letter reflects growing discontent amongst the Airport Police. The shop steward is believed to have the full support of rank and file airport police officers, according to the sources. A spokesman for the Minister for Transport confirmed that the department had received the letter.
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