Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government is systematically informed of activities of foreign secret services, in particular the CIA, on territory here. [3602/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which the Government supervises the receipt and exchange of information between Ireland and the secret services of other countries; the legislation or treaty which governs the exchange of such information and co-operation; and if the Government has turned a blind eye to illegal activities by foreign secret services on the State's territory by adopting a passive attitude. [3604/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.

The Garda Síochána is the organisation responsible for providing policing and security services for the State. In this context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána has established contacts, both multilateral and bilateral, with police and security services worldwide, touching on areas of mutual responsibility and interest. These contacts are in addition to any information exchanges which may be mandated by law, such as mutual assistance matters governed by the Criminal Justice Act 1994.

I should also mention that section 28 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which will be brought into effect shortly, provides that, with the consent of the Government, the Garda Commissioner may, on behalf of the Garda Síochána, enter into an agreement with a police service or other law enforcement agency outside the State covering the co-operation of the parties involved or the exchange of information or such other matters as the Garda Commissioner thinks fit. The Government is apprised of developments relating to the security of the State by the Garda Commissioner on an ongoing basis.

I categorically reject any suggestion that the Government has or would turn a blind eye in any manner whatsoever to any alleged unlawful activity by any person or organisation.