Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Under the programme for Government, there are commitments on the national security and defence policy. In the context of the appalling terrorist attack on young children in Manchester - from the impact of which people are still reeling and on which they are reflecting - attention must be drawn to whether our own structures and systems, particularly those relating to intelligence, are adequate to deal with this international terrorist threat. The question is whether there is a need for a fundamental re-evaluation of the position in this regard. I read reports this morning which are quite critical of our position and the lack of an effective single agency to deal with security and intelligence in this country. Apparently, Ireland is the only EU state that does not have its own national security and intelligence agency. That is a matter which requires fairly urgent examination. I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that a national committee where different people come together every time there is a crisis is not the ideal response. The issue is whether responsibility for crime and security remains with An Garda Síochána, whether we have looked at an alternative to that or whether there is a more effective approach that enhances our capacity to prevent such atrocities from happening and to prevent extremism from developing within communities. It is very important to counter the growth of violent extremism. What is the Taoiseach's position on that?

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