Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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113. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide an assessment of Ireland's exposure to terrorist activities; the extent to which the national security agencies co-operate with each other in this area; if a new risk analysis will be carried out in view of the atrocities in Paris last week; the additional funding that will be made available going forward to enhance the State's ability to prevent any such incidents occurring domestically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41187/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will know the primary security threat in this State is posed by the co-called 'dissident' republican paramilitary groups. An Garda Síochána continues to work to disrupt and to bring an end to the activities of these groups and will continue to give priority to this. They work in very close co-operation with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in this regard.

Ireland, like other democratic states, cannot consider itself immune from the threat posed by international terrorism and extremism. The current assessment of the threat from this source is that while an attack here is possible, it is unlikely. There is not at present any specific information that an attack on Ireland is planned. The level of threat from this source has been reviewed since the attacks in Paris on 13 November. It is kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána, particularly in the light of ongoing developments and the current international climate.

The Garda Authorities have been taking all necessary security measures proportionate to the threat and all the relevant agencies here co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. The Deputy will understand that, of their very nature, the detail of security measures should not be disclosed publicly. 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 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 this shared threat.

In respect of the resources available, given that the threat from international terrorism and extremism is an evolving one the Garda Commissioner is carrying out a review at present and will let me know what additional requirements may arise.