Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While it initially appears to be a great idea to have an agency similar to those in other countries, whether MI6, the CIA or similar agencies in smaller countries, when one thinks it through ones sees the complications that would arise. Notwithstanding that Ireland is a small country with much lower security risks than other countries, creating a whole new agency and disentangling it from the Garda and Defence Forces would be complicated and our national security could be compromised during the transition phase, which could last for years and be very expensive. I have an open mind on the issue and I am interested in hearing views on it and seeing what the Commission on the Future of Policing recommends.

The national emergency centre is used to co-ordinate these events. I believe I have covered most of the issues raised.

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