The government has said a terrorist attack on Irish soil is "possible but not likely".

The statement came after a meeting of the National Security Council to assess the terror threat.

The council - which features the heads of the Gardaí, the Defence Forces, and four Government departments - met this morning in the wake of the attacks in Brussels.

In a statement following that meeting, the government said there was no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland from international terrorism.

But it said Ireland could not be considered immune from any threat, and an attack was possible, though not likely.

It added that all appropriate measures would be taken by Irish autohrities, and that the Gardaí would co-operate closely with Europenan counterparts to respond to any threats.

It also said the activities of a small number of people in Ireland would continue to be monitored closely.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said on Twitter that he had been briefed on the meeting's findings. 

It's understood that meetings of the council are routinely held in the wake of international terrorist events. 

Earlier the Dáil was united in condemning the attacks, and a minute's silence was held in memory of the victims.