Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the allegation made by a member of the British House of Commons that MI6 operate in the Republic of Ireland; if they are correct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36204/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand that the Deputy is referring to an interview given by Mr. Gerry Adams recently in which, according to the transcript available to me, he said '. . . for example lots of concerns raised yesterday about the role of MI5 in the north . . . I have similar concerns about the role of MI6 in the south . . .' In response to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 25 October, 2006, I indicated that it was not clear what, if any, allegations were being made and, accordingly, that I was not in a position to make any substantive response. That remains the position in that regard.

It is not the practice and would be contrary to the public interest to comment on allegations of activities by foreign security services in this jurisdiction other than to say that the Garda Síochána remains vigilant and engaged in its capacity as the State's security service. In making this point, I should not be taken as suggesting that there is any substance to the allegation cited in the Deputy's question.