Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his response. I have a final supplementary question. The Minister is the chairperson of the task force on national emergency planning. While one might disagree on its implementation, does he agree it would be beneficial to include an intelligence section within its remit, comprising the Garda, the Army, Customs and Excise, the Revenue Commissioners and possibly a communications element?

I realise that no matter how much money one devotes to protecting the State from terrorist attack — one could spend billions — it may not be successful. However, the assignment of sufficient resources to prevention and surveillance can greatly assist in thwarting attacks. If one lacks inter-agency operability, people may get through the net. However, if such groups were brought together, one's intelligence remit would be strengthened. Will the Minister consider the development of such a concept?

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