Vol. 543 No. 5
105 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken by the Garda to deal with the continuing threat posed by the organisation known as the Real IRA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27649/01]
The Garda Síochána are tasked with ensuring the security of the State against the activities of subversive groups. They accomplish this duty through intelligence-driven targeted operations against such groups.
Since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, 57 persons have appeared at the Special Criminal Court on serious criminal charges relating to activities of dissident subversive groups. The charges against such persons have ranged from possession of explosives, to membership of an unlawful organisation and training persons to use firearms. Forty six of the persons charged are considered by the Garda Síochána to be members of the so-called Real IRA.
The Garda Síochána will continue to closely monitor the activities of such dissident groups.
