Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:27 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the level at which he is represented on the national security committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23722/01]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - National Security.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:28 Mr. Noonan asked the Taoiseach the role and involvement of his Department in the national security committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28472/01]
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:29 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach his involvement in the national security Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28550/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 to 29, inclusive, together.
Responsibility for internal national security is a matter for the Garda Síochána, supported, as appropriate, by the Defence Forces. The security committee, comprising representatives of those agencies at the highest level and their parent Departments, met on the afternoon of the atrocities of 11 September and was augmented by other Departments-agencies concerned. The committee, which has met on a number of occasions since, is primarily concerned with ensuring the Government is advised of high level security issues and the response to them, but not involving operational security issues. The committee is convened by the Secretary General to the Government.
If I ask supplementaries on this question, I suspect I will run the risk of being told the answer is a secret. Can the Taoiseach give the House an assurance – I am not being facetious – that the Minister of State, Deputy Jacob, is not a member of the committee? It will come as a surprise to many that there is a national security committee and its existence will be welcomed. Will the Taoiseach outline its terms of reference and composition without revealing the identity of any of its members?
The committee does not have formal terms of reference. It must ensure the Government is advised of high level security issues. It has been in place since the start of the problems in Northern Ireland.
The heads of the main security Departments and agencies participate in meetings of the committee. There is regular contact between members and heads of other Departments and agencies also contribute, when necessary. Senior members of the Garda Síochána and the Army are key members while others are brought in from time to time.
The committee does not deal with operational issues. It is a resource for addressing issues that may arise from time to time, including issues of co-ordination between agencies, confidential briefings regarding issues of the security of the State, or issues relating to those involved in subversive activity or trying to subvert the democratic system of the State.
Has emphasis been placed on the protection of the International Financial Services Centre, given that financial services centres are targeted by terrorist groups? Have key players on the security committee identified key installations and districts that should receive special treatment by the committee?
Operational matters are reported on. The International Financial Services Centre mentioned by the Deputy has been under observation for many years, particularly since the Canary Wharf bombing. Since then it has been listed for special attention.