Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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196. 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; if particular initiatives are likely with a view to protecting persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33504/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The increase in terrorist attacks in Europe in recent months has highlighted once again the need to address the diverse threat posed by terrorism. The EU is working to strengthen its response to international terrorism through multilateral cooperation, political dialogue and concrete support to third countries. EU Foreign Ministers remain focused on implementation of the recent Council Conclusions on Counter-terrorism agreed last month and on the contribution that the EU can make through external action to preventing and countering terrorism. 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 right, remains at the core of the EU’s strategy.The EU has also placed considerable emphasis on strengthening cooperation with its immediate neighbours in the Western Balkans, Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries through dedicated political dialogue and the cultivation of effective counter-terrorism partnerships.

Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at EU level to preventing and countering terrorism as well as the need to address the underlying factors that contribute to this threat. It is crucial that our response in this area effectively addresses the dangers of violent extremism and radicalisation, especially online content.

The European Council has also expressed its support for practical cooperation and coordination between the EU and the United Nations in the area of counter-terrorism and has welcomed the UN Secretary General’s proposal to establish an Office for Counter-Terrorism.

The former UN Secretary General’s comprehensive Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, presented in January 2016, and his related reports are an important and welcome contribution to addressing the threat posed by international terrorism, and to highlighting the need to examine drivers of violent extremism through dialogue and conflict prevention, strengthening governance and the rule of law, gender equality and empowering women, community engagement and youth empowerment, and education and skills development.

Two areas which Ireland has highlighted in particular are the effects of violent extremism on Youth and Women, and their role in countering such extremism. Ireland was strongly supportive of the adoption last year by the Security Council of Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. This Resolution confirmed that inclusion and participation by young people must lie at the core of efforts by the international community to respond to crises and conflict.

Women, Peace and Security is also a key element in the fight against violent extremism. Ireland has long been a supporter of the full implementation of Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security and its successor Resolutions. Women can have an important role to play in helping to counter radicalisation and extremism in their families and communities, and also have the potential to be radicalised themselves. Therefore effective Countering Violent Extremism strategies must take cognisance of the particular situation and perspectives of women and girls into consideration.

Ireland continues to work closely through the EU, the UN, and with other partners to counter and prevent terrorism. It is vital that we intensify our efforts to work with our partners in this area to build our capacity to challenge the threat posed by terrorism.