Mr. Drew Harris:

Yes, that is correct. I am bound by the UK's Official Secrets Act. After my tenure as Commissioner, however, I will be bound for life by the Official Secrets Act here as well. That is how the legislation works in respect of these functions. Honestly, I do not see where the problem arises. The Deputy is talking about our near neighbour and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. When I worked there, we had very much, if not exactly, the same outlook on dealing with terrorism and organised crime. I worked very closely with my colleagues in An Garda Síochána throughout my time as assistant chief constable with responsibility for crime. Information was shared constantly, in fact daily, backwards and forwards all the time. We enjoyed good relationships. I did not have a responsibility for national security in Northern Ireland, however, whereas I have responsibility for national security here and for securing the State not only from the threat of terrorism but also from the threat of espionage. I have a responsibility also for counter-espionage. Those two latter responsibilities are new to me compared with the role I had in the Police Service of Northern Ireland. I undertake them very seriously and am briefed on ongoing operations almost daily.