Dáil debates

Tuesday, 24 October 2006

 

National Security Committee.

3:00 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is obvious that yesterday's report that up to six Islamic terrorist cells were operating in Ireland in 2003 is quite disturbing. The groups in question were delivering financial and logistical support to terrorist groups abroad. We have raised this matter in the House on a number of occasions. If I recall correctly, the Taoiseach said on one occasion that members associated with al-Qaeda were being watched, or being kept under some sort of observation, here in Dublin. Was the Taoiseach or the Government given briefings on this matter by the US Government? If the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, or homeland security representatives were aware of Islamic terrorist groups operating throughout the world they would have evidence relating to Ireland.

How did this information come into the public domain? Did it come to the Garda or Army via American security sources? When such information is passed on to Government does the Garda, for instance, have control over whether it becomes declassified?

Can the Taoiseach assure the House, as far as he can, that there are no Islamic terrorist cells operating in the country? Does the Taoiseach have security information on such matters and is he satisfied that there are no such clandestine cells operating here, delivering logistical and financial support to international terrorist groups?

A Taliban commander on Sky News last night said his organisation intends to wreak havoc on the families of those in the West who had destroyed the families of Taliban members. Can the Taoiseach give some reassurance in this regard?

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