Three Irish citizens died fighting in Middle East since 2010

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has confirmed that three Irish citizens have died in conflict zones in the Middle East since 2010.

Speaking in response to a parliamentary question from Labour TD Ciarán Lynch as to what measures had been taken to counter the recruitment of Irish citizens to the Islamic State, Ms Fitzgerald said the Garda was monitoring the movements of those "suspected of involvement in extremist behaviour".

She said gardaí had already engaged with those who had returned from conflict areas in the Middles East.

"While the number of Irish citizens who are believed to have travelled to the conflict zones is estimated at between 25 and 30, within that number are individuals who would have travelled to Libya and other Arab States to take part in the popular uprisings known as the Arab Spring which began in December 2010," said Ms Fitzgerald.

She highlighted EU initiatives that have been developed to combat recruitment to terrorist groups, including enhanced tracking movements, media campaigns, engagement with third countries (notably Turkey), community relations initiatives and engagement with internet service providers to curb radical online content.

In Ireland, Ms Fitzgerald said gardaí were running a “progressive community relations programme” through its racial inter-cultural and diversity office, but warned against stigmatisation of minority communities living in Ireland.

“It is of course essential that at times like this entire communities do not get stigmatised because of the actions of a few,” she said.

“It has to be recognised that the vast majority of people in our communities wish only to go about their daily lives in peace.”