Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Minister. This country does not have an MI5 or MI6 and the Garda Síochána carries out the intelligence functions as well as the policing functions of the State. Although there is a minor intelligence unit in the Army, by and large, what was traditionally known as the special branch or the security intelligence unit of the Garda Síochána carries out these functions. It is appropriate to have reference to "the security of the State" in new provisions of surveillance being given to the Garda.

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