Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The committee obviously keeps all potential international threats from extremists under review based on security intelligence. The intelligence services are not aware of any specific threat to Ireland, and they believe that the threat level is relatively low. There is, of course, no room for complacency, and that is what the committee examines. The security services continue to maintain a high level of vigilance in conjunction with their international colleagues. They also continue to monitor the activities of a small number of known Islamic extremists.

Of course, Mr. Choudhury's remarks have been brought to the attention of the Garda. It is true that the general level of threat for all countries has been seen to increase significantly in the aftermath. In that context, a close reading of what he says is taken seriously here. Regarding ongoing checks and threats, questions on that procedure were answered by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, last week, and by the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, a few weeks ago. The procedures are in place.

Regarding Shannon, since this matter has been brought up several times recently we have once again raised it with the Americans at the highest level and they state that they are doing nothing outside the agreement. If they seek to bring up the issue of prisoners, weaponry or other issues outside the agreement, they say that they will bring it to our attention. They restated that as late as last week.

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