Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
494. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on possible implications for Ireland of the threatening environment created by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, particularly in the context of the numbers of United States of America military aircraft given permission to land at Shannon by her Department, and the fact that security levels have been raised at United States of America military bases. [19331/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to outline details of security arrangements at Shannon Airport.
The appalling violence and barbarism displayed by the Islamic State (IS/ISIS) organisation clearly demonstrates there is no justification of any kind to engage in the savagery that has now become its trademark.
Ireland, like any other democratic country with similar values, is not immune to the threat that this group, or any other international terrorist organisation with similar beliefs, poses.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that there is no specific information in relation to a threat to Ireland and that while an attack on Ireland is possible it is not assessed as likely.
An Garda Síochána keeps the level of threat from international terrorism under continuous review in light of ongoing developments and continues to take all appropriate measures to counteract this threat including cooperating with its international counterparts and monitoring the activities of certain individuals within this State who are known to support extremism.
The measures being taken reflect the steps in place in the majority of States for whom organisations such as IS may be a consideration and Ireland is no exception in that regard.
