FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER Charlie Flanagan has said that while there is no “imminent” threat to Ireland, the country is “on alert” following the French terrorist attacks.
Last week, 20 people, including three gunmen, were killed in Paris.
Speaking on Newstalk’s Pat Kenny Show, Flanagan said he and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald had discussed the issue earlier today.
“There isn’t any evidence of imminent threat, unlike in Paris, London or Brussels. However, we are on alert. I spoke with Frances Fitzgerald this morning. She will brief the Government tomorrow.”
Downing Street has said that future counter-terrorism exercises by the police and security services will include scenarios similar to last week’s attacks in the French capital.
Yesterday the Sunday Independent reported that an individual who is believed to play a role in the finances of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group has been living in south Dublin for 15 years.
Flanagan said gardaí are on alert ” in terms of ensuring that we have an appropriate level of intelligence that will allow us to know and understand what’s going on in our community”.
He added that people who are involved in atrocities such as those perpetrated by IS should face sanctions and not be free to travel on Irish passports.
“It’s important that our intelligence is adequate, which I believe it is … If there are incidents of criminal activity, they should be dealt with in the courts,” Flanagan added.
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