Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the resources needed by the Garda Síochána and the security forces of this State to ensure that the type of funeral that took place in Donaghmede, Dublin last week which showed a public demonstration by the IRA of the illegal use of weapons does not occur again; the number of Gardaí that were involved in policing this event, the pre-planned surveillance, who made the decision not to intervene and for what reasons; the cost to the State of such an illegal act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39276/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy and the House that I am committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána is properly resourced to meet the threat posed by the so-called dissidents. We should be clear, of course, that these so-called 'dissident republicans' are no more than criminal terrorists using violence in pursuit of their own, often personal, ends.

We should also always remember that these groups maintain more than just a nodding acquaintance with organised criminals in funding themselves and their activities. Indeed, these paramilitaries are deeply involved in criminal activities. Countering the threat from terrorists has always been a priority for the Garda Síochána and nothing has changed in that regard. Despite the positive developments there have been in recent years in the North, the Gardaí have never let up in their efforts to counteract these groups.

I am not of course going to comment on details of Garda operational matters nor on security related measures. Nevertheless in relation to the incidents mentioned by the Deputy, it must be accepted that the Garda members present, in taking appropriate operational decisions had, above all else, a particular responsibility to ensure the safety of the public in what was a crowded environment. I do not discount the possibility that there may have been an effort to provoke the Gardaí into taking action with a view to generating public disorder and greater publicity for those involved.

In light of these events, the Garda Commissioner has set up a dedicated operation, “Operation Ambience”. As a result, over 30 searches were conducted of various locations in Dublin and surrounding counties and a substantial number of arrests were also made. Three people have been charged with membership of an unlawful organisation under the Offences Against the State Act and Garda inquiries into the matter are ongoing.

I am strongly committed to ensure that the Gardaí have the necessary resources they need, not just in terms of manpower and equipment, but also in terms of legislative provisions, to bear down on these paramilitary groups. I am also committed to making sure that there is seamless cooperation between the security services North and South in dealing with the threat. That is exactly what is happening.