We will now move to questions on promised legislation. It is very clear that the questions must relate to promised legislation - the programme for Government. This is not an opportunity to raise other matters. After the leaders, I have indications from 12 Deputies and I am anxious to ensure that they will all get an opportunity to contribute.

Under the programme for Government, there are commitments on the national security and defence policy. In the context of the appalling terrorist attack on young children in Manchester - from the impact of which people are still reeling and on which they are reflecting - attention must be drawn to whether our own structures and systems, particularly those relating to intelligence, are adequate to deal with this international terrorist threat. The question is whether there is a need for a fundamental re-evaluation of the position in this regard. I read reports this morning which are quite critical of our position and the lack of an effective single agency to deal with security and intelligence in this country. Apparently, Ireland is the only EU state that does not have its own national security and intelligence agency. That is a matter which requires fairly urgent examination. I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that a national committee where different people come together every time there is a crisis is not the ideal response. The issue is whether responsibility for crime and security remains with An Garda Síochána, whether we have looked at an alternative to that or whether there is a more effective approach that enhances our capacity to prevent such atrocities from happening and to prevent extremism from developing within communities. It is very important to counter the growth of violent extremism. What is the Taoiseach's position on that?

It is a valid question. I read the reports to which Deputy Micheál Martin refers and, from what I understand, the perpetrator's family came from northern Africa in order to live in Manchester in England.

That has been replicated in a number of other locations here. These savage acts of terrorism were carried out by people from local bases. When one considers any event, concert or major sporting occasion in any country or here, no matter where one puts the perimeter of security people must congregate and move to where the event actually takes place and this movement is always outside of that perimeter.

I have looked at the situation and have called a meeting for 7.30 a.m. tomorrow of all the agencies in defence, justice, transport and health. We will look at the situation in Ireland. I was very impressed with the immediate response to the tragedy of the first responders in Manchester.

We need to look at what can be done in advance.

The Deputy raised a couple of important points. When the O'Toole commission gets going it will look at security in policing. There is an issue as to whether or not we should have a security and intelligence unit as a separate structure and how it currently operates. We will reflect on that. It is important for the Government of the day to give assurance to people that everything humanly possible is being done and put in place to protect the innocent people and citizens of our country.

I thank the Taoiseach.

We will do that and we will share the information as far as we can with the House because it is important to get this right.

I thank the Taoiseach.

While we cannot proceed on the basis that everything is calm and rosy and that nothing could happen here, the levels of security are at moderate which means that it is possible but not likely.

It was supposed to be four minutes only for the first question.

The Taoiseach must conclude. We must give others an opportunity.

There is not any reason as to why that might change, but tomorrow I will meet with the agencies.