Lenihan plays down concerns about terrorism 'back door'

The Government has played down concerns that Ireland could be used as a "back door" for Islamic militants intent on bombing Britain.

Speaking in Dublin this morning, Junior Minister Brian Lenihan said the Irish intelligence services were co-operating closely with their British counterparts to counteract any such risk and ensure the necessary security measures were in place.

He said none of the 24 people arrested in Britain yesterday had any connections with Ireland.

He also confirmed that the State's National Security Committee had recommended new security measures in the wake of yesterday's anti-terrorism operation in Britain, but refused to disclose what these measures would entail.