Vol. 489 No. 5
Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to make a statement on the implications for security of the discovery of a bomb at Dun Laoghaire and his assessment of the intentions and provenance of the organisation involved.
Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to outline the circumstances of the discovery of the components for a car bomb at Dún Laoghaire this morning and whether he will provide any information about the intended location of the device, whether any review of security is being conducted, especially in the light of the potential danger of such device in a busy port and if he will make a statement on the matter.
At 6.30 a.m. members of the Garda Síochána stopped a car driven by one man which was in a queue of cars waiting to board the car ferry at Dún Laoghaire. On searching the car the gardaí discovered a quantity of what they believed to be home-made explosives. This was confirmed by Army explosives experts who made the device safe. A second car was also searched. Five people, three men and two women, are currently in Garda custody arising from this incident.
In so far as there are implications for security arising from this morning's events, I acknowledge the efforts of the security forces in countering these terrorist activities and pay tribute in particular to the Garda Síochána on the success of this most recent operation at Dún Laoghaire which resulted in the recovery of a significant quantity of home-made explosives. These important interventions and recent finds at Howth, Dundalk, Redhills and Hackballscross have, without doubt, prevented serious loss of life and damage to property.
The Government will continue to provide all the resources necessary to support the Garda Síochána against those who assist, prepare and carry out these attacks. The Government will also continue to ensure that Anglo-Irish and wider international security co-operation is maintained and, where possible, enhanced in the interests of all communities threatened by terrorist activity.
The House will appreciate that, at this early stage in the investigation, I have not received other than preliminary reports from the Garda Commissioner, and any assessment of this morning's events must, of necessity, await completion of the Garda investigation and subsequent evaluation. I do not intend to comment on any speculative suggestions which might be made. I do not, however, consider that it would be unsafe for me to speculate that those concerned either had the intention of doing damage to the current efforts to resolve the Northern conflict or, at the very least, that they were reckless as to whether their outrageous attempt, if it had been successful, might have had that result.
I am sure Deputies will agree with me that those concerned should be given the clear message that progress towards the resolution of the Northern conflict through the democratic process will not be halted by terrorism. I am sure Deputies would also agree that, given the very advanced stage of the current discussions, it would be extremely unwise for anybody in this House to speculate further at this time.
In preparing my reply to these questions, I have consulted with the Garda Commissioner and he has advised me that "investigations are ongoing and further comments concerning this morning's events would be imprudent." I hope that Deputies will respect that position in putting supplementary questions to me. For my part I will respond as fully as I can, but there may be matters raised to which I cannot respond.
The Minister has said that the bomb in question was made safe. Does that mean that the bomb was in an unsafe condition when being brought onto the boat? Would the Minister comment on the risk to passengers and the risk to people in the port area from this bomb in the condition in which it was found before it was made safe?
The bomb was not primed, but there were other component factors which would have led to the situation being unsafe so that the Garda did have to take certain measures. The Deputies will understand and appreciate why I do not want to go into detail on that.
Was the car stolen and, if so, where?
There are ongoing investigations into this matter but it can be confirmed that the vehicle was stolen.
I join with the Minister in congratulating Chief Superintendent Culhane and the Garda Síochána for their outstanding work this morning. Would the Minister agree that this morning's attempt to transport a bomb in a less than safe condition on one of our ferries introduces a completely new set of risks for people on this island and for people travelling between this island and the neighbouring island? Has he considered what additional security measures may be necessary to ensure that nobody manages to put a bomb on a plane or bring a bomb on board a ship travelling to or from this country?
There are security implications in relation to the incidents in question, not least that security measures must continue to be taken throughout the island to counter the threat of the use of paramilitary violence. It is clear that the potential destruction, had these explosives not been discovered, highlights once again the horror of violence pursued for political ends and the need for the Government and other parties to work earnestly and urgently to achieve a lasting political solution.
It shows the need for the Government and other parties to work earnestly and urgently to achieve a lasting political solution. Garda vigilance thwarted this threat in the same way that other recent threats were foiled. The discovery of the device is a testament to Garda vigilance. In relation to additional measures that might be taken, security measures at ferry ports are reviewed periodically by local divisional officers in conjunction with the security branch at Garda headquarters to ensure their effectiveness. I assure Deputies that measures required are implemented on review.
We are all familiar with the security measures at airports and the degree of scrutiny given to baggage for airplanes. Is the Minister satisfied that the same degree of scrutiny applies at ferry ports or are additional security measures necessary to ensure a bomb is not brought on to a ship? The ship in question this morning would have had busloads of children on it. The ease with which one could drive a bomb on board a ferry seems considerably greater than one's chances of getting a bomb on to a plane. Will the Minister address the need for additional security measures for ferry transport? The danger averted this morning has highlighted this matter.
All travellers would agree that security arrangements at airports tend to be more thorough than those at ferry ports. The situation is kept under continuous review and the security forces will consider this morning's find when deciding if there is a need to tighten security measures.
I compliment the Garda on the success of this operation. I did not do so when speaking first because I sought information from the Minister. This find should encourage the Government in its efforts to ensure a peaceful settlement that will ensure that those who engage in this activity are politically isolated.
Does the Minister believe this car was brought across the Border? If so, is there a need to enhance Border security? Are there any issues with regard to Garda overtime which might disrupt Garda vigilance during this crucial period of the peace process?
The Garda were aware of the possibility of these types of vehicles being used in this way. I trust Deputy Bruton will understand that I cannot go into this matter any further. I cannot confirm or deny that the car was stolen or brought across the Border.
The Minister has already said the car was stolen.
Yes, but I cannot confirm that it was brought across the Border. It would be wrong of me to go into that kind of detail in view of the Garda Commissioner's advice.
I accept that.
I appreciate the Deputy's understanding. Regarding Garda overtime, provision was made for Garda overtime this year to the amount of £27 million. This is being kept under review.
(Mayo): I join Deputies in complimenting the Garda on their excellent surveillance work in detecting this potential catastrophe. Is there any indication of the intended target for this bomb? Was it intended for London, Birmingham or Manchester, each of which has suffered such perverted ingenuity in the past, or the Grand National at Aintree, which was cancelled recently as a result of a similar threat?
I appreciate Deputy Higgins's anxiety for an answer, but I am unable to speculate as to the intended target, other than to confirm that it is obvious this device had the potential to cause considerable damage to life and property.
I appreciate the constraints the Minister is under in replying to questions. This was a very large bomb. Can the Minister comment on its sophistication? Was it constructed by people who had some experience in this area or was it a crude bomb?
I would like to help the Deputy, but I am unable to answer the Deputy's question for reasons I have outlined. I know this is frustrating for Deputies.
I had a similar question for the Minister. Would the products used in this home-made bomb, as the Minister described it, assist the Garda in identifying those who manufactured it?
Does the Minister share our concern that the construction and movement of such sophisticated bombs puts a severe onus on him to ensure that, when decommissioning begins, products that can be used in home-made bombs are considered unsafe and taken off the market if necessary?
I agree with the Deputy's sentiments concerning the need to decommission all weapons, irrespective of their sophistication. Regarding the identity of the paramilitary organisation which may be involved with this bomb, I cannot give a specific answer owing to the advice given to me by the Garda Commissioner. Deputy Owen will be aware that the Garda constantly monitor terrorist threats to the State and the recent find indicates the level of success of this work.
The prevention of terrorist activity is of the utmost concern. In the interests of safeguarding Garda investigation and ensuring the protection of human life, it is not appropriate, in the light of the advice I have received, to respond directly to the Deputy's question.
Will the Minister ask the Garda Commissioner to ensure that additional resources are provided to the Dún Laoghaire district gardaí. In addition to their normal functions they must maintain security at the ferry port.
The Deputy will be aware that operational matters are for the Garda Commissioner, but at the earliest opportunity I will discuss this matter with him.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
