Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the action 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; the person who made the decision not to intervene the reasons for same; the cost to the State of such an illegal act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39245/12]

Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether there is adequate legislation in place to ensure that the Gardaí will not tolerate any illegal use of weapons which was demonstrated recently at an IRA funeral in Donaghmede, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39246/12]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the action 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; the person the decision not to intervene and the reasons for same; the cost to the State of such an illegal act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39247/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 30 and 31 together.

I am sure Deputies will agree 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 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.

For obvious reasons I will not comment on details of Garda operational matters nor on security related measures. Nevertheless in relation to the incidents mentioned by the Deputies, 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. 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, cannot be discounted. We should not underestimate the difficulties faced on the ground by Gardaí dealing with this type of situation and it is all too easy for people who do not have to make these decisions to say what should or should not have been done.

As the Deputy will now be aware, 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. I should mention, specifically, that firearms legislation contains very heavy penalties in relation to the illegal use of firearms.