The threat which the so-called 'dissident republican' groups present is a matter of shared concern North and South. There is a strong, shared resolve to take all necessary actions within the law to bear down on such groups. Combating their activities has always been and remains a priority for the Government and the Garda authorities. In this regard, the Garda authorities continue to work closely with their PSNI counterparts in combating the violence and criminal activities of these groups and in seeking to improve community safety for everybody on this island. Threats of the type to which the Deputy refers, against elected public representatives, are to be deplored not only because they threaten the safety of an individual but also because they are an attack on democracy and free speech, which are the hallmarks of a civilised society.