Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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99. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which she and her EU colleagues can counter the propaganda of ISIS which continues to lead to the indoctrination of young persons and their subsequent endangerment as a result of becoming involved with such radical organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8659/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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100. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which she and her EU colleagues can combat the radicalisation of young persons throughout Europe who may find themselves drawn to ISIS or associated groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8666/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.

As the Deputy will be aware there is considerable concern across Europe following a number of recent terrorism-related events in Europe and given the rise in Iraq and Syria of ISIS with the related potential threat to European security from foreign fighters and violent radicalisation. These events show that all States must remain vigilant and attentive to the risks posed by international terrorism.

Ireland, like any other democratic country with similar values, is not immune to a threat from international terrorism. While an attack on Ireland is possible it is not assessed as likely and there is no specific information in relation to a threat to Ireland. An Garda Síochána are keeping the level of threat from international terrorism under continuous review in light of ongoing developments and continuing to take all appropriate measures to counteract this threat. In this they have the full support of the Government.

The radicalising affect of online propaganda must also be dealt with and this is a matter which has received direct attention from EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers at our recent meetings. Indeed, this has been a focus of actions at EU level for a number of years now, particularly in the context of the EU's Strategy for combating radicalisation and recruitment to terrorism and the EU's Internal security strategy. The Deputy will wish to know that the recent informal meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers focused on the international terrorism and foreign fighters issues. Ireland along with its European counterparts is seeking to work with all relevant stakeholders to develop further initiatives in this domain.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the necessary legislation is in place to address terrorist threats. The Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014 has already passed all stages in the Seanad. It is expected that the Bill will come before the Dáil shortly. The Bill, when enacted, will create the three new offences of, public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism. These offences will carry sentences of up to 10 years imprisonment on conviction on indictment.

As the Deputy will appreciate, any response to this issue must be proportionate to the level of the threat and multi-faceted in approach. In addition to conventional security measures, engagement with minority or at risk communities is an essential element of the response. In that context, An Garda Síochána operates a progressive programme of community engagement with minority communities. The aim of these programmes is to build a sense of inclusiveness amongst minority communities and to address feelings of marginalisation in order to avoid providing fertile ground for radicalisation and those seeking to radicalise others.