‘No powers’ to prevent Irish going to fight in Iraq, Syria
She outlined details of how 25 to 30 Irish citizens had travelled to conflict zones and how some had died while others had returned.
Speaking in the Dáil in the wake of last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris, Ms Fitzgerald said it was a complex process attempting to withdraw citizenship.
Up to 30 Irish citizens have travelled to conflict zones since the start of the Arab Spring in 2010, she said.
“Some of these have travelled for humanitarian or family reasons. However, some are known to have participated in conflicts. At least three have died in conflicts. A number of individuals have returned to Ireland from conflict zones.”
But she also told TDs there were a small number of people based here who “support extremism and would try to facilitate it”.
Gardaí, it emerged, are monitoring those citizens and are in touch with others who have returned home from conflict zones.
Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Niall Collins asked if the justice minister had examined the constitutionality or legality of withdrawing citizenship or passports from individuals.
Ms Fitzgerald said she did not have the power.
“There is a very particular procedure laid out. The issue of evidence in relation to people who travel and the purposes for which they travel is a complex one.”
Under current rules, the removal of a certificate of naturalisation can apply in limited cases, including if the person had failed in their fidelity to the State or was part of a war against the State. Such removals are subject to appeals.
Her department had advised there must be sufficient reasons or evidence to remove a citizenship, including considerable constitutional issues along with international obligations that prevent a State from rendering a person stateless which must be taken into account.
She added: “To prevent people from travelling and obtain sufficient evidence of their activities to allow the type of action outlined by the deputy [Collins] is a complex procedure. I would not rule out doing so where such evidence is available from An Garda Síochána.”
Speaking later at Garda Headquarters, Ms Fitzgerald also dismissed recent reports which claimed there were jihadi training camps in Ireland: “There is no truth in relation to that.”
Meanwhile, authorities at Shannon Airport yesterday reassured passengers about security after media reports.
The Star newspaper reported its team spent 30 minutes driving around before being approached by airport police. It said there was little overt security and its team got within 10m of the control tower and within yards of a fuel depot.
The Irish Examiner understands The Star was under surveillance the entire time from more than 200 cameras. In addition, there is a constant armed response unit available, as well as a constant police presence airside. The army is also there regularly.
