Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent discussions with his EU colleagues in the matter of combating terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23952/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has primary responsibility for policy matters relating to the security of the State. As a member of the European Union's Justice and Home Affairs Council, he participates in the taking of decisions and the adoption of measures aimed at dealing with terrorism and the terrorist threat within the European Union.

International terrorism is a phenomenon which carries potentially deadly consequences for the lives of people everywhere and has grave implications for diplomatic relations and the maintenance of international peace and security. As such, it is a subject of serious concern to me and to my colleague Ministers in the European Union.

In 2005, the EU adopted the Counter-Terrorism Strategy and comprehensive Action Plan. This Counter-Terrorism Strategy will next be the subject of high-level discussions at the European Council to be held in Brussels on 19 and 20 June, when the Council will consider the recommendations contained in the six-monthly report submitted by the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Mr. Giles de Kerchove.

International cooperation is essential for the success of efforts to combat terrorism. In this regard, Ireland, together with our EU partners, is committed to seeking agreement on a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism during the 62nd General Assembly of the United Nations.

In all engagements within and outside the European Union, Ireland has stressed that terrorism can never be justified no matter the cause or the reason. At the same time, the Government maintains that respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law must be observed at all times in the fight against terrorism. It is not enough to simply look to the security dimension of the fight against terrorism. Political, social and economic solutions are needed to the underlying problems that give rise to or can give rise to terrorism.