Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to create a separate security apparatus to divide the police and State security functions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24336/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The arrangements currently in place have served the State well since its foundation in countering threats to the security of the State, particularly from terrorism over the course of the troubles. Given the dynamic nature of the threats that may arise, those arrangements are kept constantly under review, including the decision-making arrangements across the common areas of the State's security and defence. The Garda and Defence Forces' authorities work closely together in this regard.

As the Deputy will be aware, I recently announced the membership of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and the Commission’s final terms of reference. The Commission will inquire into policing in Ireland and will consider, among other things, all of the functions carried out by An Garda Síochána, including the provision of security services to the State. I do not, of course, want to prejudge this matter but believe it is right that a comprehensive review of policing requires an examination of this issue.