Vol. 542 No. 4
170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has taken adequate measures to protect vital installations in view of international concern arising from the potential threat of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24473/01]
171 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the special measures [1087] he has taken to safeguard vital installations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24759/01]
172 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he proposes to take to protect vital installations and services, including water and food supplies, telecommunications and transport in view of concerns regarding international terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24763/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 to 172, inclusive, together.
I would, in general, refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 92, 93 and 95 of 3 October 2001, in which I outlined the response, both national and international, to the terrorist atrocities in the US.
As I stated in that reply, the threat of major terrorist attacks in this jurisdiction is the subject of continual analysis and assessment by the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and there is a heightened state of security awareness, particularly in relation to vital strategic locations. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be counter-productive for me to give details of the specific security arrangements in place.
The Garda is co-operating with all the relevant agencies on the matters arising in the aftermath of the events of 11 September.
