Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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88. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the analysis she has carried out regarding potential security threats posed by Ireland's facilitation of the US military at Shannon in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42387/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As I have stated to the House previously, Ireland, in common with other democratic states, faces a threat from international terrorism. The current assessment is that while an attack here is possible, it is unlikely and there is no specific information that an attack here is planned. The level of threat from this source is kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána and the Garda Authorities have reference to all relevant information in carrying out their assessments, including international events.

I am aware of comments made previously to the effect that Ireland is a target because we permit US planes to refuel at Shannon Airport. However, permission to land in the State is subject to clear policy stipulations – that aircraft are unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives, do not engage in intelligence gathering and that the flights do not form part of military exercises or operations. These arrangements apply to allforeign military aircraft landing in Shannon. These arrangements are fully consistent with our policy of military neutrality.

I can assure the House that An Garda Síochána, supported where necessary by the Defence Forces, is taking all possible steps to deal with any threat to this country. The Deputy will understand that, of their nature, security measures should not be disclosed publicly.