Ireland plans to call a meeting of senior aviation officials from across the EU next week to discuss US demands for armed guards on transatlantic flights.
The US proposal, intended to guard against further September 11-style hijack attacks, has met resistance, with some airlines in Europe and Africa vowing to cancel flights rather than comply.
'Ireland will be using its Presidency to establish the views of all EU member states (on this issue),' said a Department of Transport spokeswoman.
The meeting, at official Director-General level, will take place in Brussels.
Many air industry experts believe the US measures may exacerbate rather than quell fears among air travellers already sensitive to security concerns.
US and European carriers, for whom transatlantic business travellers are a key source of income, are also likely to suffer most should the move prove negative.
Ireland itself is unlikely to take a position on the issue until the country's National Civil Aviation Security Committee has fully consulted with security and industry bodies.
