Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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6. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Irish citizens engaged in fighting in the Middle East or Africa for fundamentalist Islamic groups; the actions she will take to protect the security of all Irish citizens from the potential terrorist threat represented by these persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1400/15]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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We are all rightly concerned about the events that took place in Paris in the last week. Associated with that, will the Minister detail for the House the number of Irish citizens engaged in fighting in the Middle East or Africa for fundamentalist Islamic groups?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

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.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister stated in her reply that an estimated 25 to 30 Irish citizens have travelled to the conflict zones but that some of them did so for different reasons. However, it is also the case that three people died in the conflict zones. We are also aware that the US National Security Agency has passed information to An Garda Síochána in relation to individuals who have travelled through this jurisdiction.

In the main, this is an issue that hugely concerns people. We must remain on our guard and take seriously the threats that these extremists pose to our society and public safety. Has the Minister examined the constitutionality or legality of withdrawing citizenship or passports from individuals who engage in such acts of terrorism abroad?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I do have the power to withdraw citizenship. As the Deputy will be aware, there is a very particular procedure laid out in that regard. The issue of evidence in relation to people who travel and the purposes for which they travel is a complex one. Many people have asked if, for example, people could be prevented from travelling. The majority of those travelling to Syria from Ireland and elsewhere enter that country through Turkey, but it must be noted that Syria may not have been the original destination cited by many of those travellers. They may have travelled to other cities and then travelled onwards. To prevent people from travelling and obtain sufficient evidence of their activities to allow the type of action outlined by the Deputy is a complex procedure. I would not rule out doing so where such evidence is available from An Garda Síochána.

There is careful monitoring in this area by An Garda Síochána. We cannot be complacent. There are many international travellers passing through Ireland all the time. Monitoring is important. This is a threat. We need to gather as much intelligence and security information as we can in relation to it, but there is no evidence to suggest a specific threat against Ireland or that Ireland is being used as a transit hub for people engaged in this type of terrorism.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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It was reported recently that an individual who frequently features in international terrorism bulletins and is heavily involved in financing Islamic State has been living in south Dublin for more than 15 years. The Minister's colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Charles Flanagan, during a recent interview on the "The Pat Kenny Show", stated:

That's true - we're not immune. It's important that people remain vigilant, and that any information of a criminal nature is passed on to An Garda Síochána.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The key point in response to the Deputy's question - I have checked this out - is that it is important to follow the money, as CAB has effectively done. The legislation in place in relation to money laundering and the type of activity outlined by the Deputy would allow us to do what he suggests. If there is evidence of that type of activity, that legislation will be used. As I said, one must first have evidence, and where evidence is available the Garda Síochána will monitor, follow up and prosecute. I cannot comment on the particular case cited by the Deputy, but if there is clear evidence that a person in Ireland is supporting terrorism through financial activity the matter will be investigated and dealt with. The new legislation, which has been already passed by the Seanad and will come before this House in the next week or two, provides further powers in relation to anybody who is involved in recruiting, supporting or financing terrorism.