Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 4: To ask the Taoiseach when the interdepartmental group established to monitor the threat of a terrorist attack will next meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29483/08]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 5: To ask the Taoiseach if the interdepartmental group established in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks to monitor the threat of terrorist attack is still functioning; the work programme of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32376/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 6: To ask the Taoiseach when the National Security Committee last met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37594/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, together.

Having regard to the confidential nature of the work of the National Security Committee, it would not be appropriate to disclose information about the dates of individual meetings or any of its proceedings. The committee is chaired by the Secretary General to the Government and comprises representatives, at the highest level, from the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Defence and Foreign Affairs, the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. It is concerned with ensuring that I and the Government are advised of high level security issues and the responses to them, but not involving operational security matters.

The committee meets as required and will continue to do so. In addition to their meetings, the members liaise on an ongoing basis to monitor developments which might have national security implications, in particular in the international arena.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have very little time so there can only be one supplementary question from each questioner.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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What is the situation in respect of searches of aeroplanes at Shannon Airport of persons involved in terrorist activities, or suspected of terrorist activities?

Is the Taoiseach aware that in the past six months there have been a number of reports about al-Queda cells operating in Ireland? What evidence of this is available to the Taoiseach and the Government?

Is the Taoiseach aware that MI5 has set up a new headquarters in Northern Ireland? Is the Government in contact with MI5 with regard to suspected terrorists living in Ireland?

Some years ago the Taoiseach's predecessor commented on reputed al-Queda cells operating in Dublin. In March of this year three people were arrested in Tralee as part of a suspected Islamic terrorism unit in County Kerry that was under Garda surveillance. Can the Taoiseach inform the House with regard to what happened after that information was brought to the attention of the Government through Garda surveillance?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Has the National Security Committee addressed the issue of dissident republican groups? Does it liaise and co-operate with the international monitoring commission in Northern Ireland in respect of that matter? What is the assessment of the National Security Committee of the threats posed by dissident republican groups, in this State or throughout the island?

Would the Taoiseach consider, or has the Government considered, the possibility of extending the remit of the National Security Committee to address the threat posed to the safety of people in this country from organised gangland-type groups? Does he see any possibility of a role for the National Security Committee in co-ordinating the work of the respective security agencies and intelligence agencies of the State in cracking down on gangland crime?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Does the National Security Committee address security arrangements between this country and other jurisdictions? For instance, will the committee, if it has not already done so, address the expressed view of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Scrutiny which published a report last Monday? The report indicates the committee's concern at the EU Commission proposal to have the personal details of all airline passengers furnished to the security authorities in other jurisdictions. Has the Taoiseach had the opportunity to note the report and will he give his own view with regard to the Oireachtas committee's opinions as expressed on Monday?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The National Security Committee was established as a high level forum for mutual awareness and consultation on issues in the area of security. It provides for exchange of information and collective assessment on an ongoing basis. The nature of the committee's work precludes me from giving any more detailed description of its proceedings, with regard to when it meets, etc. Concerning any matters that arise in the new situation in which we live, I support all security and co-operation measures between countries as a vital means of protecting our own citizens and others.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Pat Breen will offer a final and brief comment.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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How often does the National Security Committee meet? Does the Taoiseach think that the full customs and protection facilities to be provided at Shannon Airport next year will add to our security worldwide?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It is not procedure to discuss when or how often the National Security Committee meets. It meets as required. The pre-clearance facilities to be provided at Shannon Airport are excellent for the airport. I hope they will provide for many more people using it in the future.