Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number involved in the Real IRA or other such organisations in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth; his views on the efforts being made to counteract their activities; his further views on whether it is intended to utilise Army personnel to backup the Garda in any such renewed security arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11807/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that regular reviews are carried out of the threat assessment arising from the activities of dissident republican groups. Priority is given by the Gardaí to intelligence-led operations targeting the activities of such groups commensurate with the threat posed. These operations involve the strategic deployment of local and specialised operational Garda units. Furthermore, there is ongoing co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI, including the exchange of intelligence, to ensure appropriate measures are in place to combat the terrorist and criminal activities of these groups. I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that there are no plans at this time to request army personnel in support of the Gardaí in this context. For operational reasons, it is not the practice nor would it be in the public interest to comment on the number of persons involved in such groups in the specific areas to which the Question referred.