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

We have good quality intelligence networks in the country. An Garda Síochána does a very good job, as does military intelligence. The Commission on the Defence Forces outlined significant reforms in respect of military intelligence and the majority of its recommendations were accepted by Government. These include strengthening military intelligence capabilities; the establishment of a joint military intelligence service in the context of a revised mandate underpinned by new legislation, which is being progressed; the establishment of an intelligence school with shared programmes which would facilitate and enhance co-operation and joint training opportunities between military intelligence and its Garda counterparts, which was accepted in principle; for the role and functions of the military intelligence bureau to be clarified and underpinned by appropriate legislation within the context of a coherent national intelligence architecture, which is being further evaluated and will have to happen; and the overarching legal and governance framework to ensure optimum co-ordination and collaboration between the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána on intelligence matters. That was accepted by the Government along with several further recommendations. All of these issues are monitored, as the Deputy noted. When reports like that emerge in respect of the alleged phone call, which did not happen, between Paschal Donohoe and others, none of us should jump to conclusions. There is a tendency for people to jump to conclusions and accept everything that is asserted.

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