Decision not to publicise Sunflower lanyard scheme at IoM Airport

Summary

The requester asked for information regarding the decision not to publicise the Sunflower lanyard scheme at Isle of Man Airport due to fears of misuse. The Department of Infrastructure confirmed that while the scheme was initially not publicised for this reason, the decision has since been reversed and information is now available on the airport website.

Key Facts

• The original decision not to publicise the Sunflower lanyard scheme was made by Airport management working with the handling agent.
• The rationale for the initial non-publication was to prevent misuse by passengers without hidden disabilities.
• The decision has been changed, and information regarding the scheme is now published on the Airport website.
• The request references a House of Keys question asked by Rob Callister mhk on 25 February 2020.
• The response was issued by the Department of Infrastructure on 3 August 2021.

Data Disclosed

• 25 February 2020
• 26 July 2021
• 3 August 2021
• 1925129
• 2 pages
• 1 document

Original Request

On February 25th 2020 Rob Callister mhk asked a question in the House of Keys regarding the Sunflower lanyard Scheme. Replying to part of the question the then Minister of the DoI Ray Harmer mhk said 'The scheme has not been widely publicised to the general travelling public in case it is misused by passengers who do not have hidden disabilities.' Could you supply information leading to and including the decision not to publicise the Lanyard scheme. Link to House of Keys question tabled my Mr Callister mhk https://www.tynwald.org.im/business/OPHansardIndex1821/4854.pdf#search = %22Sunflower%20%22

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Department of Infrastructure Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

Contact: FOI Response Team/TL/RH Telephone: (01624) 686785 Email: dpo-doi@gov.im

Our ref: 1925129 3 August 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on 26 July 2021 and which states (sic):

"On February 25th 2020 Rob Callister mhk asked a question in the House of Keys regarding the Sunflower lanyard Scheme. Replying to part of the question the then Minister of the DoI Ray Harmer mhk said 'The scheme has not been widely publicised to the general travelling public in case it is misused by passengers who do not have hidden disabilities.' Could you supply information leading to and including the decision not to publicise the Lanyard scheme. Link to House of Keys question tabled my Mr Callister mhk https://www.tynwald.org.im/business/OPHansardIndex1821/4854.pdf#search=%22Su nflower%20%22"

Our response to your request is as follows: Originally Airport management determined, working with the Airport’s handling agent, not to publicise the use of the sunflower lanyards in order to prevent misuse; however that determination was changed and information is now available on the Airport website with regard to hidden disabilities and sunflower lanyards. https://www.airport.im/security-airport-facilities/special-assistance/ Please quote the reference number 1925129 in any future communications.

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Yours sincerely

FOI Response Team