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

Let me repeat what I said because we want to be accurate in regard to this. Like any country with democratic values, Ireland is not immune to a threat from international terrorism. An attack on Ireland is possible, but it is not assessed as likely and there is no specific information on a threat to Ireland. However, as I have said and as all other Minsters at the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting agree, we all need to be vigilant and to share information. I ask our MEPs to support the law on passenger name records to ensure appropriate information is exchanged and that every possible security initiative needed is taken.

I will bring forward legislation in the next few weeks when Dáil time is available to deal with it. We will create three new offences of public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, of recruitment for terrorism and of training for terrorism. The Garda Commissioner, others and I have discussed this issue and we will keep it under review. The Garda Commissioner has the full support of the Government in this regard. I am satisfied this is an area of high priority for An Garda Síochána to ensure Irish people are safe.

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