Police and airport customs will be checked at airports starting next month, alongside other staff members.

Police and customs officers at AIRPORT will be checked at airports starting next month, the Irish Sun has learned.

The measures introduced by the Minister of Transport, Shane Ross, will see the safety of key personnel monitored with his regular colleagues.

PA: Press Association

The moves made the staff members fear that they would be affected in the performance of their duties. However, the Dublin Airport Authority insists that workers will not be controlled in emergency situations.

A source said: "The airport police are concerned that their security clearances and those of the customs officers will be removed and they are now in a position to pbad security checks only to do their job. .

"This includes escorting prisoners, answering calls, etc."

A DAA spokesman, however, told the Irish Sun: "As of December 13, the Ministry of Transport, Tourism and Sports has taken new measures that require all police and customs officers at the airport to be subject to security check in the same way as regular staff.

Crispin Rodwell – The Dublin Sun

"However, they will not need to be checked in case of an emergency situation at Dublin Airport." The measures, which should be introduced this month, have been postponed to 13 December.

About 100 members of the airport police, including members of the management, would be badigned to Dublin Airport. Some 126 customs officials work at Dublin Airport, 20 at Shannon and 21 at Cork.

A spokesman for the tax administration said: "The forces of order in the ports and airports are reinforced by additional staff on the basis of a risk badessment, or when particular operations are carried out against illegal activities.

"The number of additional resources available to support these border control activities is about 130 positions."

Gardai are exempt from the new measures. A spokesman said: "The status of An Garda Siochana members has not changed with respect to control at Dublin Airport.

"An Garda Siochana fully complies with all European and national regulations in force at Irish airports."

The Irish Sun has contacted the Ministry of Transport for comments.