DUBLIN, May 16 (Xinhua) -- There is a small number of international terrorist sympathisers in Ireland and they are under close monitor, reported local media RTE on Wednesday quoting police sources.
Addressing an Interpol conference being held here, Michael O'Sullivan, assistant commissioner of Irish National Police and Security Service, said that approximately 30 Irish citizens travelled to Iraq and Syria to fight with the Islamic State group.
Some of these people are dead or missing while others have moved on to other theatres of war, he said, indicating that families and children of these people could be a major issue.
He said that police are concerned about the potential for a lone wolf attack in Ireland and they are working closely with local communities and the threat level in Ireland is moderate.
He also said that there is evidence that terrorist groups are working with organized crime, which has funded attacks in Paris and London in recent years.
He said that Irish police forces are fully prepared for any terror attacks in the country.
He cited two incidents for examples. In one incident where a man was wielding an axe on O'Connel Street in downtown Dublin, police had responded within four minutes, he said, adding in another incident where a man was on a train with an imitation firearm, police disarmed and arrested the man within five minutes.
He did not mention the time of the two incidents.
Interpol is holding an annual European regional conference in Dublin, which kicked off on Tuesday. Police officers from across Europe have participated in the three-day event to share experiences and discuss ways to tackle common security issues in the region.