Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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207. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the efforts, if any, being made by the Government to prevent a terrorist attack here; if any new measures have been taken in the aftermath of the Belgian terrorist attacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7650/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 268 of 14 April 2016, the current assessment of the threat is that while an international terrorist attack on Ireland is possible, it is not considered likely. Notwithstanding that, the level of threat from this source is kept under close and constant review by An Garda Síochána and all appropriate measures will continue to be taken by the authorities here, in co-operation with their international partners, in responding to any identified threats and in seeking to prevent attacks. There is no complacency in this regard.

I should emphasise that the main security threat in the State is from the so-called 'dissident' republican paramilitary groups who continue to be a priority counter-terrorism focus for An Garda Síochána. The Garda authorities will continue to target those involved and to work closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in bearing down on these groups. The Gardaí and the PSNI deserve praise for their ongoing work in this regard.

An Garda Síochána has developed considerable operational capacities in countering terrorism and in responding to critical incidents. There is, in particular, a highly-trained and well equipped special intervention capability in the Emergency Response Unit that is supported by the regional Armed Support Units. All the relevant agencies here cooperate closely in respect of any threats identified. Where necessary, the considerable skills of the Defence Forces are also available in aid to the civil power.

The ability to prevent attacks is as important as an ability to deal with such an eventuality. The gathering of intelligence both domestically and from international sources plays a priority role in ensuring An Garda Síochána can perform this task. The sharing of information and the use of modern information technology structures to support this function is a key priority internationally. The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the necessary resources to enable them to interact effectively at this level. This includes connecting to the European Schengen Information System and, indeed, to other EU and Interpol information-sharing resources relevant to countering the terrorist threat.

Increasing the effectiveness of information and intelligence-sharing and enhancing border security have been priority themes at recent meetings of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council and they will remain at the top of the agenda for the foreseeable future. A series of measures is being rolled out to build on and improve current operational co-operation and to develop the EU's legal framework for information-sharing, combating terrorism and controlling illegal firearms. Ireland is fully engaged in pursuing these developments.