Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Since the terror attacks in Manchester and London, there has been a heightened sense of concern in Ireland. There is a concern as to whether we are sufficiently prepared to meet the challenge of modern terrorism. That concern was added to because one of the individuals involved in the killings in London had lived in Ireland for a while. On a positive note, we have members of An Garda Síochána with considerable experience in dealing with terrorism on this island. More recently, they have also combated serious gangland violence. However, there are a number of negative aspects that the Government needs to address. After the terror attacks in London and Manchester, senior members in the Garda representative organisations said they did not believe that ordinary rank and file members of An Garda Síochána were prepared for such terrorist attacks. We need to ensure they are adequately prepared. We need to liaise with the Commissioner to ensure sufficient measures are in place in order that if there is a terrorist attack in this country, in an urban or rural area, there can be an immediate response. That issue needs to be addressed imminently.

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