Matt Carthy
Question:434. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice her response to reports in relation to an Irish parliamentarian allegedly being a Russian asset; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40992/24]
View answerTuesday, 15 October 2024
Questions (434)
Written answers
As Minister for Justice it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any particular allegation of this nature.
Ireland, like any other democratic state, is not immune from the risk posed by hostile state activity including efforts by such states to exert influence. Our security services are very alive to that risk and keep their response under continuous review in light of ongoing developments.
Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Gardaí are responsible for protecting the security of the State from espionage, sabotage, the subversion of parliamentary democracy, and acts of foreign interference. An Garda Síochána works closely with colleagues across the security apparatus of the State, as well as their international counterparts, in identifying and managing such threats.
It is also important that all public officials, including parliamentarians, exercise due care and vigilance with regard to the possibility of others seeking to exert influence or access to information that may be sensitive information.