Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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101. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her assessment of the threat of a terrorist attack taking place here, similar to the attack in Paris in France; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42396/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As I have stated in the House, Ireland, just like other democratic states, cannot be considered to be immune from the threat posed by international terrorism and extremism. The current assessment of the threat to Ireland from this source is that while an attack here is possible, it is unlikely and there is at present no specific information that an attack on Ireland is planned. The level of threat from this source is kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána, particularly in the light of ongoing developments and the current international climate.

The Garda Authorities are taking the security measures necessary, proportionate to the threat, and all the relevant agencies here co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. Unfortunately, there is a small number of people here whose activities are a cause for concern in terms of supporting terrorism and extremism. They will continue to be monitored and, where evidence is available of criminality, they will face the full rigour of the law.

The Deputy will understand that, of their very nature, the detail of security measures should not be disclosed publicly. However, in general terms, An Garda Síochána will take all possible steps to deal with any threat to this country combining its intelligence base with a well-trained, armed special intervention capacity and a range of other national policing resources. Where necessary, the considerable skills and resources of the Defence Forces are also available in aid to the civil power. Of course, this is an international problem and the Garda Authorities will continue to co-operate very closely with their EU and other international security and intelligence counterparts in responding to it.