Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Defence if Army intelligence is maintaining surveillance on between 50 and 60 persons here suspected of having links with international terrorists; if there is a hard core of a dozen persons in the greater Dublin area who have to be kept under regular watch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1504/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Both the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces perform complementary roles in relation to the protection of the security of the State. There is ongoing and close liaison between the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding internal security matters including in the intelligence field. Both agencies gather and share information and assessments in relation to perceived and-or emerging security threats. In addition, mutual assistance and co-operation is maintained between the Irish security services and those of other like-minded countries to ensure effective flow of relevant intelligence.

The Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. In the intelligence field, the Defence Forces act in a complementary role, primarily in relation to the gathering and analysis of intelligence on paramilitary activities, while also providing intelligence on external threats, in particular, threat assessments in respect of locations where the Defence Forces are deployed on overseas peace support missions.

The director of intelligence provides briefings to me, the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, on such threats. In addition, the Chief of Staff, who is a member of the National Security Committee, apprises that committee on the nature of such threats. Obviously, of their nature, the content of those briefings must be kept confidential. As such, I am not at liberty, nor would it be appropriate for me, to indicate the nature and extent of any activities which the Defence Forces may undertake in this regard or to disclose information received by me on such issues.