Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
305. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the recent activity surrounding a high profile funeral in (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40212/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that these so-called 'dissident republicans' are no more than criminal terrorists using violence in pursuit of their own, often personal, ends. They also maintain more than just a nodding acquaintance with organised criminals in funding themselves and their activities. Indeed, these paramilitaries are deeply involved in criminal activities. Countering the threat from terrorists has always been a priority for the Garda Síochána and nothing has changed in that regard. Despite the positive developments there have been in recent years in the North, the Gardaí have never let up in their efforts to counteract these groups.
In relation to the incident raised by the Deputy, it must be accepted that the Garda members present, in taking appropriate operational decisions had, above all else, a particular responsibility to ensure the safety of the public in what was a crowded environment. The possibility that there may have been an effort to provoke the Gardai into taking action with a view to generating public disorder and greater publicity for those involved cannot be discounted.
As I said in responses to Parliamentary Questions on this matter last week, the Garda Commissioner has set up a dedicated operation, “Operation Ambience”. As a result, over 30 searches were conducted of various locations in Dublin and surrounding counties and a substantial number of arrests were also made. Three people have been charged with membership of an unlawful organisation under the Offences Against the State Act and Garda inquiries into the matter are ongoing.
I am strongly committed to ensure that the Gardaí have the necessary resources they need, not just in terms of manpower and equipment, but also in terms of legislative provisions, to bear down on these paramilitary groups. I am also committed to making sure that there is seamless cooperation between the security services North and South in dealing with the threat. That is exactly what is happening.
