The risk of a deadly terrorist attack on Ireland remains low, Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea said today.
Despite claims an Islamic cleric exiled from Britain has called for Dublin airport to be targeted, the minister said military assessments showed the threat had not gone up.
Mr O'Dea also said people were becoming more alert to the possibility of an attack.
"The assessment based on intelligence and discussions between gardaí, defence military intelligence here and their counterparts in other countries [is that] the risk to Ireland is still very low," he said.
"But nevertheless people are always conscious that there is a risk, their consciousness is being heightened."
A BBC investigation claimed earlier this week Islamic cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed, exiled from Britain for his support for terrorism, has been broadcasting via the internet since he was forced to leave for the Lebanon.
In a chatroom conversation he appeared to advocate an attack on Dublin airport. It is believed during the chat that Dublin was confused for Shannon as people discussed US forces using the airport as a stopover.
Mr O'Dea also revealed Defence estimates ahead of the Budget would top €1 billion for the first time in the history of the State.
PA
