Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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524. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which discussions continue to take place at European Union level, with a view to assuring a high degree of preparedness in the event of a terrorist attack; if the Defence Forces continue to be adequately briefed in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22396/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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There is considerable concern across Europe following terrorist events in Paris and Brussels earlier this year. The events show that all States must remain vigilant and attentive to the risks posed by international terrorism.

The issue is a matter of ongoing concern to me and my ministerial colleagues across the European Union and will be on the agenda for the upcoming Justice and Home Affairs Council on the 15th and 16th June next. Officials from my Department meet regularly with their European counterparts and An Garda Síochána maintains close links with their European and international colleagues in relation to the threat posed.

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, there are a small number of people based here who support extremism. The activities of these people are closely monitored by An Garda Síochána. An Garda Síochána are also 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 Government is committed to ensuring that the necessary legislation is in place to address terrorist threats. The recently enacted Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Act 2015 which came into force on the 8th June 2015, creates 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.

While primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State, rests with An Garda Síochána, one of the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is to provide Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. A wide variety of military training activities are specifically designed to respond to possible security emergencies and the Defence Forces hold regular coordination and liaison meetings with An Garda Síochána in relation to ATCP issues. In particular, the Defence Forces Intelligence Branch maintains a very close and effective working relationship with their counterparts in An Garda Síochána.