Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let me give more information. Up to 2,000 EU citizens, primarily of a Muslim background, have travelled to fight in Syria. There is concern that some of them have signed up with extremist groups. The reasons individuals travel are varied. Some travel out of a sense of solidarity with their fellow Muslims and some are recruited by extremist groups, which is a concern. Others travel for personal reasons, perhaps for adventure without realising the seriousness of the circumstances.

There are areas in respect of which EU action in support of member states' efforts can take place. The Deputy rightly pointed out that prevention is important in reducing the flow of individuals to the countries in question. There are a number of specific initiatives that those involved in counter-terrorism and experts in the area are referring to. First, they are suggesting the creation of a Syria strategic communications advisory team. Second, they refer to the creation of an EU web portal to list, publicise and co-ordinate Syria related humanitarian volunteering opportunities. Members will find this quite interesting. I am not necessarily saying those likely to join an extremist group would be involved. The Deputy mentioned young men, in particular. If one could prevent 16 and 17 year olds from travelling in the first instance, it would be desirable. The two suggestions would help in managing the issue. Better information exchange between member states is important also. There are criminal justice initiatives on which there could be some co-operation but the independence of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Ireland’s prosecutorial system would have to be taken into account.

On the Deputy's question about the Garda, the matter really is an operational one. The Garda is doing ongoing work with the Muslim community here, building good relationships and responding to any issues the community might have. Generally, that is how this issue would be managed, in addition to doing the work on the investigative side.