Vol. 655 Tuesday, No. 3 27 May 2008 DI´OSPO´ IREACHTAI´ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DA´ IL E´ IREANN TUAIRISC OIFIGIU´ IL—Neamhcheartaithe (OFFICIAL REPORT—Unrevised) Tuesday, 27 May 2008. Ceisteanna—Questions Taoiseach ………………………………… 427 Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Priority Questions …………………………… 436 Other Questions …………………………… 445 Adjournment Debate Matters …………………………… 452 Leaders’ Questions ……………………………… 453 Requests to move Adjournment of Da´il under Standing Order 32 ……………… 457 Order of Business ……………………………… 458 An Bille um an Naou´ Leasu´ is Fiche ar an mBunreacht 2008: An Che´ad Che´im…………464 29th Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008: First Stage ………………… 464 Private Notice Questions: Dispute in Irish Rail …………………………… 464 Prison Building Programme: Motion ………………………………… 474 Referral to Joint Committee ………………………… 493 Private Members’ Business Pupil-Teacher Ratio: Motion ………………………… 493 Adjournment Debate Cancer Treatment Services ………………………… 516 Hospital Services ……………………………… 518 Proposed Legislation …………………………… 520 Personal Statement by Member ………………………… 522 Adjournment Debate (resumed) Court Procedures ……………………………… 522 Questions: Written Answers …………………………… 525 DA´ IL E´ IREANN ———— De´ Ma´irt, 27 Bealtaine 2008. Tuesday, 27 May 2008. ———— Chuaigh an Ceann Comhairle i gceannas ar 2.30 p.m. ———— Paidir. Prayer. ———— Ceisteanna — Questions. ———— National Security Committee. 1. Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the recent work of the interdepartmental group established to monitor the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10011/08] 2. Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach if the interdepartmental group established to monitor the terrorist threat in the aftermath of September 2001 is still functioning; when the group last met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11367/08] 3. Deputy Caoimhghı´nO´ Caola´in asked the Taoiseach the purpose and remit of the inter- departmental group on security established in the wake of the 11 September 2001 atrocities in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15229/08] The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. Having regard to the confidential nature of the work of the National Security Committee, it would not be appropriate to disclose information about the dates of individual meetings nor any of its proceedings. The committee is chaired by the Secretary General to the Government and comprises rep- resentatives at the highest level of the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Defence and Foreign Affairs and the Garda Sı´ocha´na and the Defence Forces. It is concerned with ensuring that I and the Government are advised of high level security issues and the responses to them, but not involving operational security matters. The committee meets as required and will continue to do so. In addition to their meetings, the members liaise on an ongoing basis to monitor developments that might have national security implications, in particular in the international arena. Deputy Enda Kenny: I raised this matter with the Taoiseach’s predecessor on several occasions and was informed that people with direct links with al-Qaeda cell groups were living in this country and were under close scrutiny by the Garda. Since his accession has the Taoiseach been briefed by security authorities on this matter? Will he comment on whether 427 Ceisteanna — 27 May 2008. Questions [Deputy Enda Kenny.] there is any evidence of al-Qaeda-linked cells operating in or living either in the Dublin area or in the country? Is he also aware of the clear threat of international terrorism in that al-Qaeda has threatened to target the forthcoming European football championships? In view of our proximity to the west coast of Britain, is the Taoiseach satisfied that the protections in place at Sellafield will stand up to any possible threat or attack? Has he consulted on this matter with his counterpart, Prime Minister Gordon Brown? If he has not discussed this with Mr. Brown, is it his intention to do so, in light of the statement from al-Qaeda to target the forthcoming European cham- pionships? The Taoiseach: We are all aware in the aftermath of 11 September attacks and other more recent outrages of the scale of the threat posed by international terrorism. While there are no grounds to suggest that Ireland is at particular risk, the security services maintain a high state of vigilance. They are also in regular contact with other security services and there is an ongoing exchange of information and intelligence through fora such as Europol and Eurojust. It would not be appropriate to speculate on the matter of what persons may or may not be linked to terrorist organisations, except to assure the Deputy that the Garda Sı´ocha´na closely monitors the security situation on an ongoing basis. This would include any activities that might pose a threat to international security. The committee has an advisory role to ensure the Taoiseach and the Government are apprised of high-level security issues and the responses to them. The security services keep in close contact on these matters. Deputy Enda Kenny: Can I take it the Taoiseach will raise the matter of security with his counterpart, Gordon Brown, when the opportunity presents, particularly in light of the Euro- pean championships? On the Order of Business in the House last week I raised the matter of damage to a number of vehicles during transportation to Chad. The Taoiseach will be aware that this is a logistically complex and very dangerous operation. Can I take it he has spoken to the Minister for Defence and that the necessary arrangements are in place to ensure our troops there are properly and fully equipped and that if these vehicles have either to be repaired or replaced this would be done forthwith? What is the view of the Taoiseach and the Government of the threat posed by dissident republican groups on this island? He will be aware of the Independent Monitoring Com- mission’s 18th report which refers specifically to O´ glaigh na hE´ ireann. It states that in the period of the 18th review, this group was more than likely responsible for the murder of And- rew Burns in County Donegal on 12 February 2008. This is the first murder attributed to this group. The Taoiseach will be aware that in December 2007 O´ glaigh na hE´ ireann launched a pipe-bomb attack on Strabane PSNI station. The report also refers specifically to the Irish Republican Liberation Army, the IRLA, and its involvement in the centre in the Ardoyne area of Belfast. The report is very specific in its references to these two groups. The IMC states in the report that all of these groups are aware of the publicity attracted once an incident occurs. Has the Taoiseach had discussions on this 18th report of the Independent Monitoring Com- mission? This is an objective and independent report. There is a clear threat of whatever magnitude. Has the Taoiseach an up to date position on this matter? Has he a current estimate of the numbers involved, whether it is ten, 20, 50 or less than 100? Is it the Taoiseach’s con- sidered view that either of these groups, or both of them, have the capacity to carry out a 428 Ceisteanna — 27 May 2008. Questions major act of violence either in the Republic or elsewhere on the island of Ireland? Is that the information available to the Government? Perhaps the Taoiseach could comment. The Taoiseach: Earlier I said in relation to terrorist threats that the security services are constantly monitoring and liaising with other security services, as appropriate, to deal with that matter. I do not think there is any benefit in saying more about it, other than that, so it will not be misinterpreted one way or the other. The situation in Chad is outside the remit of these questions. Operational matters are dealt with by the Minister for Defence. If the Deputy tables a written or oral parliamentary question to that effect, he will get an accurate reply. As regards the question of dissident activity, the IMC report was positive but there is always a problem with some small dissident groups. Thankfully, our security services, including the Garda Sı´ocha´na, have been very successful to date in ensuring the nefarious activities of such groups have not brought about the mayhem, or worse, that they have been contemplating. Monitoring has been taking place successfully in this respect and we are glad to report that such attempts have been thwarted. Gardaı´ will be particularly mindful of that issue in their efforts to quell any activity from that quarter, which has no mandate from anyone and must be dealt with firmly within the law. That includes bringing criminal proceedings where neces- sary and where evidence can be obtained and collated. It is an ongoing operational matter that the Garda Commissioner and his senior colleagues are co-ordinating. I commend them for the work they have been doing so far. I hope they will continue to be successful in thwarting those who seek to undermine everything that everyone else is trying to achieve. Deputy Enda Kenny: What are the numbers? An Ceann Comhairle: I will come back to Deputy Kenny, but I am calling Deputy Gilmore. Deputy Eamon Gilmore: The specific questions are about the operation of the committee and I appreciate that, for understandable reasons, the Taoiseach does not want to get into the committee’s operational work. However, will the Taoiseach provide a general assessment of the extent to which people may feel reasonably secure that the Government and the State’s security services, working with other security and intelligence services, are on top of the threat from terrorism? People are going about their normal business and are travelling abroad on planes or ships, as well as attending major events.