Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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21. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she has had discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence or the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to any assessment of the risk to Ireland from a terrorist attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria due to the continued use by the military of the United States of America of Shannon Airport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3028/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The current assessment of the threat to Ireland from international terrorism is that while an attack here is possible, it is unlikely and there is 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. In drawing up the threat assessment the Garda Commissioner has reference to wide range of issues and consults with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.

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.

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 State. The Deputy will understand that, of their nature, security measures should not be disclosed publicly.

There is, of course, ongoing interaction between my officials and those of all relevant Departments concerned with threats to national security. The Deputy will also wish to note that there is an Office of Emergency Planning situated in the Department of Defence and the Government's Task Force on Emergency Planning meets regularly to co-ordinate cross-Government planning arrangements for a whole range of emergencies, including those with a security dimension.