Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
344. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his views on whether Russian spies or persons engaged in surveillance on behalf of Russia are operating in Ireland. [23390/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is not immune from the risk posed by espionage or other activities aimed at compromising the security of the State. Our security services take all appropriate measures to counteract potential threats.
An Garda Síochána has principal responsibility with regard to the provision of security services within the State. The role of An Garda Síochána in this area is set out in section 3 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, and includes responsibility for protecting the State from espionage and sabotage, and the identification foreign capabilities, intentions or activities within or relating to the State that have an impact on the international or economic well-being of the State.
An Garda Síochána works closely with international security partners, the Defence Forces, the National Cyber Security Centre and relevant Government stakeholders, in identifying and managing these threats.
The Deputy will be aware that for security and operational reasons it is not appropriate to provide further detail on the nature of the threat or details concerning steps taken by An Garda Síochána to mitigate the threat and risk posed to Ireland by hostile state actors.
