Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's concern and sympathy for the French nation in relation to the recent atrocities. There is considerable concern across Europe and elsewhere at the phenomenon of individuals travelling to conflict areas in the Middle East and the consequential threat posed to national security. This matter will be discussed in two weeks at the informal Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Riga.

The horrific events in Paris last week are the latest and the most serious manifestation of this threat. The events show that all states must remain vigilant and attentive to the risks posed by this phenomenon. The Government, on behalf of its people, has expressed its condolences to the people of France, as has the Fianna Fáil Party. We should always bear in mind that the threat does not come from particular religions or communities but rather from terrorists, who alone must bear the responsibility for their dreadful deeds.

Yesterday, I briefed the Government on issues arising from the brutal attacks in Paris last week. While Ireland, like any other democratic country with similar values, is not immune from the threat of international terrorism, I have been advised that there is no specific information to suggest a threat to Ireland. In response to the Deputy's question, it is estimated that between 25 and 30 Irish citizens have travelled to conflict zones since the commencement of the Arab Spring. Some of these travelled for humanitarian or family reasons. However, some are known to have participated in conflicts. At least three have died in the conflicts. A number of individuals have returned to Ireland from the conflict zones. There are also a small number of people based here who support extremism and would try to facilitate it. I can assure that House that the activities of these people are closely monitored by An Garda Síochána. In addition, the Garda has engaged with returnees from the conflict areas in line with best practice internationally. There is also very close and ongoing co-operation with security and intelligence services in other jurisdictions. It is clear that in this instance international co-operation is necessary.

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An Garda Síochána is keeping the level of threat from international terrorism under continuous review in light of ongoing developments and continuing to take all appropriate measures to counteract this threat. In this, it has the full support of the Government, which is determined that all practical steps be taken to deal with any threat. The Government is committed to ensuring that the necessary legislation is in place to address terrorist threats. In this context, I wish to advise the House that the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014 has already passed all Stages in the Seanad. The Bill, when enacted, will create the three new offences: public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism. These offences will carry sentences of up to ten years' imprisonment on conviction on indictment and are particularly pertinent to the nature of the threat posed by radicalised individuals and indeed those who incite them to commit such heinous acts as those witnessed last week. It is expected that the Bill will come before the Dáil next month and that it will be passed shortly thereafter.

Ireland has been active on this issue nationally and in an international context for some time now. Indeed, priority was given to the matter during the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013. In that connection, Ireland was successful in gaining the agreement of the member states to carry out a review of the EU strategy for countering radicalisation and recruitment to terrorism. A primary point of focus in this review is the issue of foreign fighters. A number of initiatives at EU level have since been developed for member states to combat this phenomenon, including community relations initiatives, media campaigns, enhanced tracking of suspects' movements, engagement with third countries - notably Turkey - and engagement with Internet service providers and social media companies to curb radical online content.

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