Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views regarding dissident activity in areas of Dublin particularly since the reported activities following a recent funeral in north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38809/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Countering the threat from terrorists has always been a priority for the Garda Síochána and nothing has changed in that regard. Let me be clear that these so-called 'dissident republicans' are no more than criminal terrorists using violence in pursuit of their own, often personal, ends. These groups maintain more than just a casual acquaintance with organised criminals in funding themselves and their activities. Indeed, they are deeply involved in criminality.

As the Deputy will now be aware, following the incidents at the funeral in North Dublin, the Garda Commissioner has set up a dedicated operation, “Operation Ambience”. As a result, numerous 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 ensuring 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 so-called dissident groups. As recently as last June, I obtained the approval of the Oireachtas to renew certain provisions of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998. These provisions include those of directing an unlawful organisation, unlawful collection of information and training in the use of firearms.