A FULL-body scanner is to be used on staff at Dublin Airport under plans to test the controversial security equipment.

Airport chiefs expect to use the walk-through device on a trial period for up to 18 months before potentially introducing them to passengers.

A Dublin Airport Authority spokeswoman said that all airline staff and other workers will be invited to use the scanner, but it will not be compulsory.

She added: "We actually are going to get one here on trial, but it won't be for passengers.

"We'll be trialling one for staff around about the end of September." The European Parliament last month agreed body scanners should be allowed at airports only if the health, dignity and privacy of passengers are protected.

Concerns have been expressed about the potential health dangers of using airport scanners.

The European Parliament ruled scanners using ionising radiation should be prohibited in the EU.