Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 92: To ask the Taoiseach the number of meetings of the National Security Committee in January and February 2008, the full year of 2008, and in January and February of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9871/09]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Having regard to the confidential nature of the work of the National Security Committee, it would not be appropriate to disclose information regarding the number of meetings of the Committee.

The Committee is chaired by the Secretary General to the Government and comprises representatives at the highest level of the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Defence and Foreign Affairs and of the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. It is concerned with ensuring that I and the Government are advised of high level security issues and the responses to them, but not involving operational security matters.

The Committee meets as required and will continue to do so. In addition to their meetings, the members liaise on an ongoing basis to monitor developments which might have national security implications, in particular in the international arena.