Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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54. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European Union and United Nations colleagues continue to address the threat of international terrorism as evident in the massacres in France, Belgium and Turkey; if any particular initiatives are likely with a view to protecting peaceful citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19414/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The atrocities perpetrated by terrorists in France, Belgium, Turkey and other countries have been discussed and condemned at numerous EU and UN fora. These brutal attacks continue to represent a serious threat to international peace and security.

The issue of how best to respond to the threat posed by terrorism has been high on the EU agenda over the past 18 months. Foreign Ministers have focused on the contribution that the EU can make through external action to preventing and countering terrorism. At the heart of the EU’s strategy is engagement with third countries to prevent violent extremism and to strengthen their capacity to detect and prevent terrorism in full compliance with international law and human rights. The EU is also focused on the need to address contributory factors and underlying causes and has stressed in particular the importance of a political solution to the conflict in Syria.

Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at EU level to preventing and countering terrorism. At meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council I have stressed the need to tackle underlying factors that contribute to radicalisation and terrorism and in particular the importance of the link between security and development. I have also emphasised the need to ensure a joined-up approach in relation to the discussions of Foreign Ministers and those of our Justice and Home Affairs counterparts.

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 strengthen cooperation 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.

The EU’s strategy and discussions are guided by the principles and measures set out in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions including UNSCR 2161 on freezing funds and other assets of terrorist groups, and UNSCR 2178 on measures to suppress the recruiting, organising, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to another State to plan or carry out terrorist acts or training. I welcome also the presentation earlier this year by the UN Secretary General of a comprehensive Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

A coordinated and comprehensive response to terrorism is key to ensuring the safety of peaceful citizens abroad and in Ireland. Issues concerning national security and the protection of citizens in Ireland are a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality. Threat levels are kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána and appropriate measures taken. It is the assessment of our security services that while a terrorist attack in Ireland remains possible, it is not likely.