Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We are all aware of the aftermath of 11 September 2001 and other more recent outrages, and of the scale and the threat posed by international terrorism. Although there are no grounds to suggest that Ireland is at particular risk, security services maintain a high state of vigilance. They are also in regular contact with other security services and there is an ongoing exchange of information and intelligence through fora such as Europol and Eurojust. It would not be appropriate to speculate on whether there are persons active in this country whose activities are linked to international terrorism except to assure the Deputy that the Garda Síochána closely monitors the security situation on an ongoing basis. This includes any activities that might pose a threat to international security.

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