THE JUSTICE MINISTER has denied charges that Irish anti-terror laws and policing are not up to scratch, making Ireland a transit hub for terror groups.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald said she has ensured that everything possible is being done to protect Ireland from any attacks, but stressed that there is no immediate threat.

Earlier this week, the country was placed “on alert” for terror threats following attacks in France.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio 1′s Saturday with Claire Byrne, Fitzgerald also denied reports in today’s Irish Independent that Islamic terror groups have operated training camps in ‘Irish mountains in the east of the country’.

The camps reportedly test if men in their early 20s are suitable to travel to the Middle East ‘to be jihadis’.

“I have absolutely no evidence that training camps are taking place in Ireland, nor have the gardaí at present,” Fitzgerald said, but noted the level of detail provided in the article and that any evidence of such activity will be followed up.

She also said that through a combination of strict passport control, anti-money laundering laws, the Offences Against the State Act, and new legislation being brought in, Irish law has the capacity to deter terrorists.

Originally published 2.57pm

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