Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or with members of the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the recent comments of the PSNI Chief Constable regarding the increased illegal and violent activities by groups describing themselves as dissidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51947/13]
View answer46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and with the justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the concerns expressed by local communities in Northern Ireland about the increased violent activity by so-called dissidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51960/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 46 together.
I issued a strong statement on behalf of the government following the attempted bomb attack in Belfast's Victoria Street on Sunday 24 November, calling on the public to share any information relevant to the investigation with the PSNI. I know that I speak for all members of the Oireachtas in our repudiation of such incidents. The people behind such violence have neither mandate nor legitimacy and their methods are repugnant to the will of the Irish nation for peace and reconciliation in Ireland.
As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is resolved to support the Northern Ireland Executive and the PSNI in overcoming the current security challenges and demonstrating that democratic politics within that framework is the sole basis for peace and reconciliation.
There is close, ongoing co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI and taking actions against these criminals is a continuing priority for both police services. The Gardaí work seamlessly with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in actively bearing down on these criminal terrorists and on the organised crime gangs to which they are linked. The Garda Commissioner and the PSNI Chief Constable place strong emphasis on the close and high quality co-operation between the two police services and the shared determination to face down the paramilitary threat.
