Written answers

Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Department of Justice and Equality

Immigration Controls

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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118. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the measures she is putting he place to analyse, assess and prevent the entry into this State of members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41212/15]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The recent appalling attacks in Paris and elsewhere, inspired by ISIL, bring a sharp focus to bear on the potential threat that states face from violent extremists.

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 no specific information at present that an attack on Ireland is planned. However, 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.

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 rigours of the law.

The Deputy will understand that, of their very nature, the detail of security measures should not be disclosed publicly. The Garda Authorities are taking all necessary security measures proportionate to the threat and all the relevant agencies here co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. There is also very close co-operation between the Gardaí and their EU and other international police, intelligence and border control counterparts, including Interpol and Europol. This ongoing co-operation in terms of information-sharing is particularly valuable in identifying persons seeking to gain entry to the State who may pose a threat.

As the Deputy will understand there is a particularly close relationship of co-operation with the UK authorities in this regard in the context of managing the security of the Common Travel Area. Enhanced information-sharing between border control authorities here and in the UK is a strong feature of the shared efforts in this area.

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