Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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69. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional measures that have been taken in the past three years to combat the threat of terror attacks from radical elements here; if the matter is being given serious and continued consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2334/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As an open and democratic society in the European Union, Ireland cannot consider itself immune from the current international terrorist threat. The assessment of the threat is that while an attack on Ireland is possible, it is not considered likely. Nor is there at present any 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 situation.

The Deputy will understand, of course, that the detail of such security measures should not be disclosed publicly. What I can say is that the Garda Authorities will continue to take all necessary security measures proportionate to the level of terrorist threat and all the relevant agencies here co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. 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 and the range of other resources across the Garda organisation. In addition, the considerable skills and resources of the Defence Forces are also available in support where needed.

There is a number of persons here whose activities in support of extremism give rise to concern and they will continue to be monitored closely by the Garda authorities and all appropriate measures will be taken in this regard.

The Garda Authorities will continue to work closely with their EU and other international security and intelligence counterparts in responding to the shared threat of international terrorism. The gathering and sharing of relevant information is an important aspect of this international co-operation. The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the necessary resources to enhance their connectivity to a range of EU and other international resources and significant work is ongoing in this regard. This includes connecting to the Schengen Information System and, indeed, to other EU and Interpol information-sharing resources relevant to countering the terrorist threat.

A series of measures is currently being rolled at EU-level out to build on the current EU framework for information-sharing, combating terrorism and controlling illegal firearms, and Ireland is fully engaged in pursuing these developments.

I should emphasise for the Deputy that the main security threat in the State is from republican paramilitary groups who reject the Good Friday Agreement and they 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 combating these groups. The Gardaí and the PSNI deserve praise for their ongoing work in this regard.