Budget will not affect fight against dissidents

GARDA efforts to thwart the rising threat posed by dissident paramilitaries will not be affected by cuts in the next budget, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern has said.

He said two significant seizures of explosives and arms in recent days were a reminder to all, including his Cabinet colleagues, of the danger posed by republican terror groups.

He said the ongoing successes of the Gardaí against the various organisations would not be affected by cuts in the budget.