Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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24. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if additional measures have been taken to strengthen security in the wake of the recent London and Manchester attacks. [33148/17]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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These are the Minister's first oral parliamentary questions as Minister for Justice and Equality. I have wished him well before and I wish him well again now. It is appropriate that I start by asking the Minister a question in reference to the safety of the Irish public. Have additional measures been taken to strengthen security in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in London and Manchester?

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The recent attacks in London and Manchester were barbaric acts of senseless violence that targeted defenceless people. They fit a sadly familiar pattern of terrorism that has blighted many countries around the world.

The expert threat assessment is that while an attack here is possible, it is unlikely, and there is no specific information relating to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism. That said, there is no complacency in this regard and the level of threat from this source is kept under constant and active review by An Garda Síochána.

I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible to go into the detail of the security measures in place without handing an advantage to anyone who might wish to do harm. While we must not underestimate the challenges posed by brutal incidents of the type we have seen, I can assure the Deputy that the authorities here are taking and will continue to take all necessary and appropriate measures to counteract the threat. Indeed, only this morning I was briefed again in some detail on these matters by the Garda Commissioner.

The Garda has in place appropriate operational measures to prevent and to respond to terrorist incidents in terms of intelligence, a well-trained and equipped special intervention capability and other national support resources, including armed support. The considerable operational skills and resources of the Defence Forces are also available where needed. Additional resources were provided in the Garda Vote last year that included a dedicated allocation of funding for combating the threat from international terrorism. This is being used in respect of certain additional training, operational equipment and personnel requirements.

The establishment of the armed response unit for the Dublin region is a key investment in enhancing the armed response capacity for critical incidents and in freeing up and supporting the specialist capacity of the emergency response unit, ERU. The resources requirements and allocations in this regard are being kept under active review.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I agree with the Deputy on the importance of measures in this regard. The Garda authorities have been implementing all necessary security measures proportionate to the threat, and all relevant agencies co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. The Garda Síochána will continue to take all possible steps to deal with any threat to this country, combining its strong intelligence base with a well trained, armed, special intervention capacity and a range of other national policing resources. In respect of the resources available and having regard to the fact that the threat from international terrorism is an evolving one, the Garda Commissioner reviewed Garda capabilities and the Government provided additional dedicated funding for personnel, equipment and training requirements that have been identified in this area. In seeking to adapt to these changing circumstances, we must constantly review the resource requirements that may arise for An Garda Síochána. That is precisely what is happening. I keep matters under constant review from a departmental perspective. This morning, I had another opportunity to receive a detailed briefing from the Garda authorities. They have made it clear that ongoing priority is being given to ensuring that members of An Garda Síochána, who will be in the front line when dealing with this type of attack, are given appropriate training.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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We have addressed the issue of policing but I still believe there are further steps to be taken in that respect. Of course, terrorism cannot be responded to just through policing. The State must also have adequate intelligence services in place. It is probably time for us to consider whether the intelligence services we have need to be updated, reviewed or improved. In the context of the appalling terrorist attacks in Britain, we must examine the structures we have in place for gaining intelligence. It appears that Ireland is the only EU country that does not have a national security and intelligence agency. I am not saying we should have a knee-jerk reaction by establishing a separate body and taking those responsibilities from the Garda and the Army, which have fulfilled them very well over the years. However, we must consider what role we, as legislators, can play in terms of assessing and questioning the intelligence community. Nobody is suggesting that confidential information should be handed out or opened and disclosed in a non-confidential way but in other countries such as Britain, for example, there is a parliamentary committee that deals with intelligence issues. That is something we should consider for this country in order that public representatives can ask questions on important issues relating to the safety of people on the island.

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The point raised by the Deputy is not unreasonable. However, the arrangements that are currently in place have served the State very well in countering threats to the security of the State over the years, particularly from terrorism and terrorist acts in the course of the Troubles during our lifetime. While public discourse and debate on terrorism, its impact on communities and threats to safety are welcome and valued, recent commentary citing either inadequacy or unprofessionalism on the part of the Garda or the Defence Forces authorities in dealing with these matters is both unfortunate and ill-founded. They have a proud record in protecting and defending the State from a sustained terrorist threat over many years, particularly from paramilitary groups. However, given the dynamic nature of security threats, especially from international terrorism, arrangements are kept under constant review, including the decision making arrangements across the common areas of the State's security.

The Deputy will be aware that the final terms of reference for the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland were recently announced. That commission will inquire into policing in Ireland. It will also consider, among other things, all the functions carried out by An Garda Síochána, including the provision of security services to the State.