Government says there is 'no threat' to Ireland

There is "no reason" to believe there is any specific terrorist threat against Ireland but there is a need to maintain a "high level of vigilance", the Government has said.

Following a meeting of the State's National Security Committee this afternoon, Minister Mary Coughlan said the Government was "deeply concerned" at the reported plot to attack "airlines flying out of the UK".

"They are pleased that the successful intervention of the security services there has averted such a major treat to lives on a huge scale," she said in a statement on behalf of the Government.

"All intelligence indications are that the plot was conceived in relation to the UK and intended to be implemented there. There has been ongoing liaison between the security services here and their counterparts in the UK and internationally."

The statement added that the security assessment in relation to Ireland has not changed and said there is "no reason to believe that there is any specific threat against this country".

"However, it is important to maintain a high level of vigilance. All appropriate security measures will continue to be taken. The National Security Committee met this afternoon to assess the situation arising from these developments. The role of this committee is to keep the Government and the Taoiseach informed on major national security issues. The Taoiseach is being kept advised of developments."

Ms Coughlan's statement said the National Civil Aviation Security Committee was also meeting this afternoon.

"That committee, in consultation as appropriate with international aviation authorities, will review and address the implications for aviation security of these new developments," she said.

Earlier, Minister for Transport Martin Cullen said in a statement that there was no increased security risk at Irish airports. "The Department of Transport continues to monitor the situation closely in conjunction with the Garda Siochána," he said.

"Security measures at airports are regularly assessed and adjusted in response to incidents and general security information."

The NCASC advises the Government and the civil aviation industry of security policy for civil aviation. It comprises representatives of Government departments, airports, airlines, the Garda, the Defence Forces, An Post, Customs, Irish Aviation Authority and IALPA (the Irish Airline Pilots Association).

It is chaired by a senior official of the Department of Transport and meets at least twice a year, but more regularly in times of crisis.

Fine Gael accused the Government putting cost factors before safety of citizens. The party's defence spokesman, Billy Timmins, said he was "very concerned" about the low priority given to emergency planning in Ireland following the terror alert in the United Kingdom.

"The unfolding situation at all airports in Britain illustrates yet again that there is zero room for complacency in arrangements for emergency planning, security and counter-terrorism," Mr Timmins said.

"Given Ireland's close links with both Britain and the United States, Irish citizens would undoubtedly have been caught up in any large-scale incident of this type."