Politics

Irish officials say migration ‘hotspots’ will enhance screening

Minister for Justice says threat of an attack in Ireland ‘is possible but unlikely’

Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan: Ms O’Sullivan is a member of the national security committee, which met over the weekend. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan: Ms O’Sullivan is a member of the national security committee, which met over the weekend. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
Fiach Kelly
Mon Nov 16 2015 - 01:00

The proper registration of migrants in Greece and Italy must be accelerated to ensure there is proper screening of those seeking refuge in the European Union, government sources have said.

As part of its response to the migrant crisis, the EU adopted the idea of migration hotspots where the heaviest flows of migrants are arriving.

Migrants would be processed at these centres before being assigned to other EU countries or deported if they are rejected.

Government sources said this would allow for the proper registration of incoming migrants, which would make relocation easier.

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Radicalisation

“It is about ensuring that proper registration is in place in the hotspots, rather than having people travel through

Europe

towards

Germany

and

Sweden

, which is proving unsustainable,” said one source, adding additional resources may be needed.

The national security committee, which does not include politicians, met over the weekend following the Paris attacks.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald said the threat of an attack in Ireland is "possible but unlikely".

The membership of the national security committee includes Garda Commissioner Noirín O'Sullivan and Defence Forces chief of staff Vice-Admiral Mark Mellet, as well as representatives of a number of government departments.

The main thrust of Irish policy towards preventing the development of Islamic terrorism is preventing the radicalisation of younger people, mostly around Dublin, according to well-placed sources.

Persons of interest

Sources said there are “persons of interest” who are continually monitored by the security services, although there was a reluctance to say how many were being watched.

An estimated 20-30 people have travelled from Ireland to take part in various conflicts in recent years, and security services believe some of these have died in places such as Syria.

"The key to preventing these attacks is clearly as much intelligence as can be gathered and shared," Ms Fitzgerald told RTÉ radio.

“We are part of that in Ireland. The gardaí, who are our security force, are linking internationally with other security agencies and sharing information.”