Lack of gardaí and slashing of overtime budgets limits Ireland's ability to fight Islamic extremists

A lack of gardaí and a slashing of overtime budgets has limited Ireland’s ability to maintain a handle on the activities of potential Islamic extremists here.

While security sources share the view that the direct threat to Ireland is “low” or “possible, but unlikely”, some are concerned at the level of resources allocated to the job.

“Intelligence and surveillance is very labour intensive and resources have been low,” said a security source.