A Government minister has branded delays at Dublin Airport as a "national embarrassment", and says there's no excuse for it again.

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris was speaking as airport management unveiled a new plan for avoiding a repeat of last weekend's delays and missed flights.

It involves placing passengers that arrive too early in holding areas at the short-term car parks and directly outside the terminal buildings.

The areas will also have 'bad weather covers', toilets and seating - and will be used when the terminals get "particularly busy" with passengers.

Minister Harris told Pat Kenny this is not just an Irish problem.

"Last weekend was farcical, it was a national embarrassment.

"I do know that this is not confined to Ireland - I accept that many of our airports across Europe have been very busy.

"At the same time, there can be no excuse for this weekend.

"I welcome the fact that the DAA management has now published it's four-point plan.

"I think they've now been out this morning saying - I quote - they're very, very confident - their words - that people won't miss flights this weekend".

But he says they will have to wait and see if the plan is effective.

"I think what the DAA have done in the last 24 hours is very welcome; they've provided very clear... time allocations.

"But the proof will be in the pudding, and you can understand why no Government minister is going to sit here and write a blank cheque of confidence or assurance until we actually see how the plan is implemented.

"Having said that, I know there's people working extremely hard to make it work.

"It's a very, very busy weekend - we have the plan, the plan is in place, they seem to be confident about the plan, speaking publicly confidently about the plan - but the proof will be in the pudding, they need to implement it".