Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 July 2026
132. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence to report on the work of the Irish Military Intelligence Service; and what it currently views as the potentially most serious threats to the security of the State. [53710/26]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I regard the Irish Military Intelligence Service as a critical component within Ireland’s national intelligence architecture. It is currently resourced to provide regular security assessments and critical cross-domain situational awareness at strategic, national and military levels to me and my Department and to the Chief of Staff.
In this context, the Defence Forces work closely with An Garda Síochána, the National Cyber Security Centre and other relevant State bodies in respect of any threats identified that may have adverse implications for the security of the State.
In response to the persistent and emerging threats and challenges highlighted in the Security Environment Assessment, carried out as part of the 2024 Defence Policy Review, the Irish Military Intelligence Service will continue to develop, grow and enhance its capabilities, including counter-intelligence.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan, identified the strengthening of Military Intelligence capabilities and the establishment of a Joint Military Intelligence Service amongst the priority next steps.
In that regard, I am pleased to say that work is well advanced on the preparation of legislation to underpin the role and functions of Military Intelligence and progress has been made on the establishment of a Military Intelligence School, with initial staffing resources in place and ongoing work to design, validate and deliver specialist training curriculum.
For reasons of national security, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on what might be regarded as the most serious potential threats to the security of the State, although I would draw the Deputy's attention to the Security Environment Assessment of the 2024 Defence Policy Review and, for broader context, Chapters 1 and 2 of the EU White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030.
