Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
208. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on whether three armed gardaí at Dublin Airport is adequate for the policing of the airport; the number of gardaí assigned for policing there; the number assigned to each terminal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20705/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of resources, and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Commissioner that Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with the overall policing arrangements and operational strategies are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of resources and the best possible policing service is provided to the general public.
The Garda authorities will continue to take all necessary security measures proportionate to the level of terrorist threat and all the relevant agencies here co-operate closely in respect of any threats identified. The Deputy will understand, of course, that the detail of such security measures, including the number and nature of Gardaí assigned to particular areas, cannot be disclosed publicly for obvious reasons. An Garda Síochána has developed considerable operational capacities in countering terrorism and in responding to critical incidents. There is, in particular, a highly-trained and well-equipped special intervention capability in the Emergency Response Unit that is supported by the regional Armed Support Units and the range of other resources across the Garda organisation. In addition, the considerable skills and resources of the Defence Forces are also available in support where needed.
While there are a number of persons here whose activities in support of extremism give rise to concern they will continue to be monitored closely by the Garda authorities and all appropriate measures will be taken in this regard.
The Garda Authorities will continue to work closely with their EU and other international security and intelligence counterparts in responding to the shared threat of international terrorism. The gathering and sharing of relevant information is an important aspect of this international co-operation. The Government is committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the necessary resources to enhance their connectivity to a range of EU and other international resources and significant work is ongoing in this regard. This includes connecting to the Schengen Information System and, indeed, to other EU and Interpol information-sharing resources relevant to countering the terrorist threat. A series of measures is being rolled out to build on the current EU framework for information-sharing, combating terrorism and controlling illegal firearms, and Ireland is fully engaged in pursuing these developments.
