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.