An investigation is underway at Dublin Airport after reports of major breaches of security over the past few days.
The breaches were discovered during a security audit by the European Civil Aviation Council and the Department of Transport.
Officials from both bodies were deployed for an EU security audit, which involved up to 15 inspectors.
The investigation uncovered a number of serious flaws in the airport's security systems.
Inspectors managed to conceal knives in their shoes, a knife was hidden inside an item of women's underwear and, most significantly, a replica bomb was concealed inside a bag for check-in.
None of these breaches was discovered by airport security staff. However, Dublin Airport Authority says that all of the breaches were addressed as soon as they were discovered.
A spokesman stressed that this was a simulated exercise and that at no time was any member of the public in danger.
The breaches have led to an instant review of security at the airport.
