Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

While this committee discusses information on one or other group of terrorists there is no particular or specific threat to this country. There is always information about the movement of certain individuals associated with different organisations who at times move through this country. They are small in number compared to their numbers in most other European countries. There is ongoing monitoring of some individuals but there is no group or body working as is the case in a number of European countries where there is considerable concern regarding these issues, as I know from European Council meetings and as Deputy Rabbitte will be aware from his colleagues involved in various groups. We do not have those difficulties.

On issues concerning Shannon and security, the high level group does not have particular concerns. It monitors what happens in Shannon and other airports and in respect of other issues. It is an advisory group and it would relay concerns to me if it has any in this regard, but it has not done so.

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