Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The National Security Committee does not deal with operational matters which are dealt with by the security services or the Garda Síochána. Having dissidents or any terrorist or paramilitary activity under surveillance is something in which the Garda is thankfully expert and has been successful. People will know that the Garda continues to ensure that such suspects do not engage in any nefarious activity that would be a threat to life or property. This is an ongoing issue that the Garda Commissioner and military intelligence watch all the time.

Concerning the gangland issue, this is an operational matter and is dealt with by the Garda in liaison with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, on an continuing basis. The National Security Committee does not deal with those specific matters which are operational issues.

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