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Six One News: Richard Dowling reports that declassified US State Department documents from 2003 obtained by RTÉ News say up to six Islamic extremist groups have had cells operating in Ireland
The Taoiseach has confirmed there are a number of people based in Ireland who are suspected of involvement in Islamic terrorist groups, and that they are 'closely watched and monitored' by the gardaí.
The matter was raised by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who referred to last night's report on RTÉ News which revealed the US Embassy in Dublin had reported that six Islamist groups were operating from Ireland.
Describing the report as 'very disturbing', Mr Kenny called on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to give an assurance that no such groups are operating in Ireland now.
Mr Ahern said monitoring was an operational matter for the gardaí. He added that the force had always had the co-operation of the Irish Islamic community.
