Selective checks do not offer full security

I FLEW out of Dublin airport on Tuesday last. As I approached the last door before entering the airplane, I was called aside by a member of airport security staff with the words “excuse me, may I search your bag for security purposes, please?”.

Having nothing to hide, my first response was “of course”.

But then it occurred to me that I had just passed through the security screening area. So I asked why would he want to search me, pointing out my previous thought.

His explanation was that I could have met someone from an incoming plane, who could have handed me something! This, however, is true for all passengers. So I complained about the fact that only some people were randomly checked again at that stage. I insisted that this is obviously not a safe procedure, which was dismissed by the security agent, who said, “believe me, it is safe”.

Obviously, it is not. Either it is assured that all passengers are definitely clear of all unsuitable items for air travel, or it is not. A random check like the one I experienced cannot give any further reassurance. This check is either useless, or the entire security procedure is unsafe.

Christian Funke

3 Tarmon Close

Thurles

Co Tipperary