Government says terror attack on Irish soil possible but not likely

The Government has described the threat of a terrorist attack on Irish soil as possible but not likely.

In a statement issued in the wake of today’s attacks in Belgium, the Government said: “While it remains the case that there is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism we cannot consider that we are immune from the threat. It remains the case that an attack here is assessed as possible but not likely.”

The Government denounced “the deplorable attacks in Brussels” which it said had highlighted starkly once again the threat from international terrorism.

The statement confirmed as yet “there is no information at present of any Irish casualties but this is, of course, an evolving situation.”

It said in Ireland, “the level of threat is kept under constant review by An Garda Síochána and all appropriate measures will continue to be taken by the authorities here.  For obvious security reasons, we could not go into the details of the operational responses. All the agencies here co-operate closely in respect of any threats that are identified.”

The activities of a small number of people based here and whose behaviour may be of concern will continue to be monitored closely, the statement continued.

It pointed out that “there can never be any justification for such brutality.” The Government stated: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who have lost their lives, and also with the injured and we hope for their speedy recovery.”

The statement explained that the Gardai and Department of Foreign Affairs are liaising with authorities and security services in Brussels and elsewhere in light of the attacks.

“Acts of violence like these are an attack on the democratic way of life that we in Ireland hold dear and the values that we share with our EU partners,” the Government stated.