Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2014
146. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it will be necessary to enact new legislation to implement the UN Security Council resolution to combat migrant terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37408/14]
View answerUN Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters was adopted unanimously in New York on 24 September 2014. Ireland co-sponsored the Resolution along with 103 other States, including all other EU member states.
This Resolution takes a comprehensive, human rights compliant approach to tackling the foreign fighters problem in accordance with international law. It highlights the need to tackle the underlying causes of radicalisation through community outreach initiatives, while at the same time focusing on strengthening legal and security measures. This comprehensive strategy is very much in line with Ireland’s approach to the issue.
The terms of the Resolution are consistent with conclusions of a special meeting of the European Council on 30 August 2014 which called for accelerated implementation of a package of measures agreed in June 2013 concerning four priority areas: prevention of radicalisation, detection of suspicious travel, investigation and prosecution and cooperation with third countries. The European Council will review this issue in December 2014.
My colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality recently published new counter terrorism legislation - the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014. When enacted, this legislation will create three new offences: public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism.
The Bill will complement existing 2005 legislation which already provides for the offences of hostage taking, terrorist bombing and terrorist financing.
Enactment of the new Bill will mean that Ireland will have more comprehensive legislation in place in this area. However, my Department, in consultation with other relevant Government Departments, will closely examine the Resolution to establish whether any further legislation may be required in order to ensure its full implementation in Ireland.
