merrion street

The Irish Government has sent its deepest sympathies to the United Kingdom
and especially the families and friends of the victims of the horrific
attack in London, which comes so soon after the appalling bomb attack in
Manchester.

The public will be aware of reports that one of the persons named as likely
to have carried out the attack may have spent time in Ireland.

This is the subject of a live investigation in Ireland and in the UK and
therefore we must be careful about speculating on what is an evolving
situation.

We are not in a position at present to comment on the movements of persons
who may have been involved in the attack. These are the kinds of
operational details that could be relevant to an ongoing investigation
which is being undertaken by our closest neighbour in the most difficult
and serious of circumstances.

I can assure people that everything required is being done and the absolute
focus of An Garda Síochána right now is on offering every support and
assistance to their UK counterparts. The Garda authorities are in direct
contact on a continuous basis with their UK security counterparts.

My Department and I are in ongoing contact with An Garda Síochána. I met
the Commissioner and other members of Garda senior management last night.
Commissioner O’Sullivan outlined the ongoing Garda contacts with their
counterpart agencies in the UK. For obvious reasons, it would not be
appropriate to disclose any details of the investigation that is ongoing in
the UK. An Garda Síochána will, as and when possible, put into the public
domain as much information as possible, while ensuring that that
investigation is not interfered with in any way.

The expert threat assessment is that while an attack here is possible it is
unlikely, and there is no specific information in relation to any threat to
Ireland from international terrorism. The level of threat from this source
is kept under constant and active review by An Garda Síochána. The Gardaí
have in place the necessary operational measures in terms of intelligence,
a well-trained and equipped special intervention capability and other
national support resources. They are supported in this, as needed, by the
considerable skills and resources of the Defence Forces.

The necessary resources and supports are being given to An Garda Síochána.
Additional dedicated funding for countering terrorism was provided last
year to address identified operational needs in terms of equipment and
training. In addition a dedicated Armed Response Unit for the Dublin
Region was established, there is increased overtime and ongoing accelerated
recruitment with appropriate training.