Seán Sherlock
Ceist:70. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the engagement he has had with An Garda Síochána with regard to Irish citizens in Syria engaged in the conflict there. [22688/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 23 May 2018
Ceisteanna (70)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate that, like all other open and democratic societies Ireland faces a threat from international or jihadi-inspired terrorism. The expert assessment is that while an attack here is possible, it is unlikely.
The Garda Authorities will continue to take all necessary security measures, supported where required by the Defence Forces, that are proportionate to the threat. It would be unwise to disclose publicly the detail of those measures as that would simply serve to undermine their effectiveness.
What I will say is that the Garda Authorities have in place robust tactical response, prevention and disruption capabilities to combat the terrorist threat. The considerable skills, expertise and resources of our Defence Forces are also available, as needed, in this regard. The Authorities here exercise those capabilities, individually and jointly, publicly and privately on a regular basis to ensure preparedness.
While there is a small number of people in Ireland whose activities in support of jihadist-type extremism give cause for concern, they are monitored on an ongoing basis with a view to preventing offences and securing evidence for prosecutions.
There is also a small number of people, estimated to be in the order of 30 or so, who have travelled from Ireland to fight with jihadist-type groups in the conflict in Syria and Iraq. Unfortunately, a number of those are understood to have lost their lives. The Deputy will understand, of course, that in the circumstances of conflict, it can be difficult to ensure the reliability of information in matters such as these.
The Gardaí work very closely on an ongoing basis with their security and intelligence counterparts in the UK, EU and other states in respect of these issues. I will continue to provide significant resources to the Gardaí to upgrade and expand their information-sharing capabilities, notably to ensure enhanced access to EU information resources.
I can assure the House that I am briefed regularly on the status of the jihadist-inspired threat both by the Garda Authorities directly and by my officials who maintain ongoing contact with the Gardaí in this regard.