Last week I asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of armed gardaí that are at our airports. I could not be told. Our airports are not secure. We are no exception to terrorist attacks at our airports. Why do we not have more armed gardaí at our airports? Newspaper reports has the number at fewer than four. I urge the Taoiseach to call in the Defence Forces to protect our airports.

I had a briefing recently with the Garda Commissioner and the national security group. These matters are constantly monitored. It is not information that should be given out publicly. Let me assure the Deputy that the Garda is vigilant in this matter. The Deputy will note the action taken in the past few days to deal with claims of activities of certain people. He will also be aware that the Government provided funds and facilities for special armed units of the Garda to deal with activities, if that be so, of particular groups. This matter is under constant review. Airport police are employed in airports and the Garda is in constant touch about keeping our airports secure. The Deputy will appreciate that, unfortunately and tragically, what happened in France, Paris, Belgium and Berlin were not in all cases occasions brought about by armed terrorists. Conventional vehicles were used to terrorise people, most recently again in Sweden. This is a case of communities being vigilant and our Garda being vigilant, which it is.