Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
1027. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice if she, or any officials in her Department, have received any official reports or briefings from agencies of the State since 2015 outlining concerns about any members or former members of the Oireachtas being engaged in espionage or activities that could be deemed to compromise the security of the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1660/25]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the Government affords the highest priority to the State’s security.
Ireland, like any other democratic state, is not immune from the risk posed by espionage or other activities aimed at compromising the security of the State.
Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, An Garda Síochána 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 work closely with colleagues across the security apparatus of the State, as well as their international counterparts, in identifying and managing such threats.
The Deputy will appreciate that, for sound reasons, it is not the practice to comment on the detail of security matters.
