Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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4. To ask the Taoiseach if his Department, or the National Security Analysis Centre has received any briefings from the Defence Forces, the Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service or allied intelligence partners regarding Chinese political influence operations in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55946/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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5. To ask the Taoiseach if he will consider establishing a cross-departmental taskforce on foreign interference and influence operations to coordinate national policy in light of growing concerns about Chinese and Russian activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55947/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.

Like any other democratic state, Ireland is not immune from the risk posed by espionage or other activities aimed at compromising the security of the State. Our relevant services are very alive to that risk and keep their responses under continuous review in light of ongoing developments.

An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces work closely with other relevant bodies in respect of any threats identified that may have adverse implications for the State and its essential interests. They also work very closely with international counterparts in identifying and managing such threats.

As Taoiseach, I am regularly briefed by the Garda Commissioner, the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and by relevant officials on the national and international security situation and on particular threat areas that may be of priority.

Given the nature of those briefings, I am not in a position to comment in any detail on their content. However, what I can say is that the full range of threats and potential threats to our security and vital interests are reflected, including threats in the cyber, hybrid and foreign influence areas.

With regard to political engagement, the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 provides for a Register of Lobbying to make information available to the public on the identity of those communicating with designated public officials, including Members of the Oireachtas, on specific policy, legislative matters or prospective decisions.

The Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future acknowledges that this is a period characterised by geopolitical upheaval and challenges to democracy, with threats arising from the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape across the world. In this context, the Government committed to the implementation of a number of measures relating to defence, justice and cyber, and improved co-ordination of national security.

As part of this work, I established a new Ministerial Council on National Security which I chair. The membership includes the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for Defence, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

The Council considers strategic national security developments; reviews progress on delivery of the Government’s national security commitments and measures; and considers reports on the security situation and security threat levels. Targeted, cross-departmental working groups have been established under the National Security Committee in order to enhance the ongoing co-ordination across the system.