Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have not been party to any discussions on those issues. That would be an issue more particular to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Government gives the highest priority to the security of the State and while there is not, and has not been, a specific threat to Ireland from international terrorist organisations, there is no complacency, as I have said previously. It is incumbent on our authorities to ensure they take all the necessary security measures proportionate to any threat. That is why opting into this fund will increase Ireland's capacity in respect of the sharing of information and ensuring we are well placed, along with our EU colleagues. The Garda and the Army continue to carry out regular focused training exercises, both separately and together, often discreetly and sometimes in public, to ensure we are prepared. On the specific issue of the policy choices of our EU colleagues, that is not something to which I have been a party.