Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I state for the third time that the high-level group is not involved in day-to-day issues. The relevant procedures involve the Department of Transport for civilian aircraft and the Department of Foreign Affairs for military aircraft. The authorities' procedures, which have been laid down for 50 years, are followed in such cases and are updated along the way.

International security intelligence has improved significantly in recent years as a consequence of the investment of resources in Europol and Interpol. Intelligence information about the many terrorist groups and bodies, most of which are quite small, is given to the high level group. If such information is new or significantly different to that accruing from the day-to-day activities of the Garda — the Defence Forces have a different remit — it is discussed by the Garda. If, in respect of any of the organisations or Departments, it believed there was a gap regarding what was happening, it would make a judgment and advise on it. It would say it believed the procedure is in place because of a threat or implied threat, or because of the implications or what it picked up internationally. It would say the procedure should be reframed if necessary. Obviously, the Government would give that advice to the relevant Minister, Department or the office of emergency planning. That is how the procedure would work. The group would, as the Deputy suggested, get most of its information from international sources of information on terrorism. The Garda is actively involved in the various committees. If it is not actively involved in them, it is given the security intelligence on these international issues.

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