Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2014
220. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the ongoing slaughter of innocent journalists and aid workers by Islamic State, IS; the steps he will take in conjunction with our international partners to tackle the rise of IS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38861/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been appalled by the atrocities perpetrated by ISIS, including the murders of journalists and aid workers. As I have stated previously, there needs to be accountability for all such actions, including through referral to the International Criminal Court. The international community is responding to the very considerable threat which ISIS poses, not just to the Middle East but to us all. In Ireland’s case, we are working closely with our partners in the EU and through the United Nations to coordinate our efforts and to strengthen the tools at our disposal. A special meeting of the European Council on 30 August 2014 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.
The approach being taken by the European Council is consistent with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters which was adopted unanimously on 24 September 2014. Ireland co-sponsored the Resolution along with 103 other States, including all other EU member states.
The 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 in the Resolution is very much in line with Ireland’s approach to the issue.
Our approach nationally combines preventive measures and capacity to prosecute terrorist-related behaviour. In terms of preventive measures, An Garda Síochána monitors the movements of those suspected of involvement in extremist behaviour. In tandem with that the Gardaí operate a progressive community relations programme through the Racial Inter-Cultural and Diversity Office.
As regards capacity to prosecute, existing 2005 legislation already provides for the offences of terrorist bombing and terrorist financing. My colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, has published new legislation; the Criminal (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014, which when enacted will create three new offences: public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism.
A comprehensive solution to the challenge posed by ISIS must also embrace efforts to promote a political settlement in Syria, based on the Geneva principles, as well as international support for the new unity Government in Iraq, encouraging it to pursue inclusivity and reconciliation.
We recognise also the immense humanitarian impact of the current conflict and to date we have disbursed over €28 million to humanitarian relief since the beginning of the Syrian conflict.
