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International Terrorism.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2004

Tuesday, 9 November 2004

Ceisteanna (243)

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

305 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda adopted a strategy to deal with the risk of international terrorism or the planning of it within Ireland; his views on whether there is a real and substantial risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27918/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Garda authorities maintain an up-to-date assessment of the threat of attacks against this country from international terrorist groupings through analysis of intelligence gathered from domestic and international sources.

The Garda involvement over an extended number of years in fora within the European Union and further afield has ensured that excellent lines of communication and co-operation have been developed and fostered with police and security services worldwide. This facilitates ongoing sharing of intelligence concerning terrorist groupings and enables a rapid operational response to be put in place where circumstances dictate.

Moreover, the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Bill 2002, which concluded Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann on 4 November last, will further enable this State to fully play its part in the fight against international terrorism. In particular, it will give effect to a number of international instruments directed to terrorism and will enable the State to meet commitments undertaken as part of the European Union and the broader international community.

Specifically, the Bill will give effect to the European Union Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism by making provision for the first time for terrorist offences as a separate and distinct category of offence in our law and by making provision for the application of the relevant provisions of our existing anti-terrorist legislation to terrorist groups who commit terrorist offences whether based in or outside the State. It will also give effect to four United Nations conventions directed to specific manifestations of terrorism and its support structure.

Security threat assessments on the risk level to Ireland of terrorist attack are furnished by the Garda authorities at regular intervals to the Government and myself. While it is not the practice, and it would be contrary to the public interest, to reveal the content of these threat assessments, the Deputy will appreciate that it is vital that the resources of the State are used fully to combat the real, ongoing threat posed by international terrorism.

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