Vol. 561 No. 5
137 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Defence his proposals for the establishment of a statutory security agency to co-ordinate military and police intelligence on terrorist suspects in regard to his interview with a newspaper (details supplied) on 29 December 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4661/03]
The Garda Síochána has primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. There are no plans at present to establish a security agency on a statutory basis to co-ordinate military and police intelligence.
There is currently ongoing and close liaison between the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters. Both agencies share information and assessments in relation to perceived and-or emerging security threats. In addition, mutual assistance and co-operation is maintained between the Irish security services and those of other like-minded countries to ensure the effective flow of relevant intelligence.
The effectiveness of our intelligence gathering and analysis is dependent on a symbiotic relationship between the relevant agencies and I am satisfied that a very high level of co-operation exists.
Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 122.
