Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is about two years since the Taoiseach confirmed in the House that there were a number of personnel in this city who were linked to cells of al-Qaeda and at that time he indicated that these persons were under observation. Is that still the case or have they left this jurisdiction? Is there evidence of their being involved in fringe activities or other activities in so far as terrorist attacks are concerned?

The Taoiseach did not indicate the dates of meetings, but on 30 June last persons drove an SUV which was on fire through the entry doors of the arrivals hall of Glasgow Airport. Did the committee dealing with security consider such an eventuality in Dublin or elsewhere? Had that situation in Glasgow been somewhat worse there could have been serious loss of life. Was consideration given to that by the committee?

As I often asked, what position are we in now were news to be transmitted to the Taoiseach's Department or the security committee that an aircraft from another country was on its way here with serious intent of destruction? Have we the capacity to prevent such an occurrence were it made known to us? Would we have to call in the RAF or how would such an eventuality be dealt with——

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