Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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1004. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there has been any investigation to the alleged leak of the identity of an alleged Russian spy in the Oireachtas called Cobalt; if so, the results; and if there has been anyone working for State intelligence censured. [29416/25]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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1005. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if previous Ministers for Justice approved An Garda Síochána investigating the finances of a Member of the Oireachtas in terms of investigations into the alleged Cobalt; and if a previous Minister for Justice signed a warrant to do so. [29417/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1004 and 1005 together.

I want to assure the Deputy that the Government takes seriously any evidence of hostile state activity, including efforts by other states to exert influence or impede on our national interest.

Ireland, like any other democratic state, is not immune from the risk posed by espionage or other activities aimed at compromising the security of the State. Our security services take all appropriate measures to counteract potential threats. It is also important that all public officials, including parliamentarians, exercise due care and vigilance with regard to the possibility of others seeking to exert influence or to access information that may be sensitive.

The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 sets out the functions of An Garda Síochána, which include the provision of security services for the State. The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business under Section 33 of the Act, which includes the direction of investigative priorities for the service. The Commissioner is independent in these functions under Section 34 of the Act and, as Minister, I am unable to seek to direct or influence the Commissioner in regard to individual investigations.

As Minister for Justice, I am regularly briefed by the Garda Commissioner and by my officials on security matters. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on such matters.

I can say that I am satisfied that the Garda Commissioner treats any allegation of unauthorised disclosure of information made against An Garda Síochána very seriously.