Under the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation, each EU member state is obliged to designate a competent authority for this purpose.

Regulations signed by justice minister Simon Harris yesterday mean the force can now issue “removal orders” requiring internet service providers to remove terrorist content online in all member states.

The government said this would supplement the existing non-statutory arrangements in place between law enforcement agencies and internet service providers, known as internet referrals.

Mr Harris said: “The internet has given us so much by way of positive growth and innovation but it is vital that we prevent the spread of terrorist content online to the greatest extent possible, working in partnership with our fellow member states across the EU.

“Internet service providers must recognise their role in preventing the spread of online terrorist content.

“As Ireland’s policing and security service, An Garda Síochána has the necessary expertise, international contacts and experience to carry out this function in an effective manner.”