Sir, – Given the ongoing concerns regarding defence and security issues across Europe, the Government needs to prioritise the establishment of a national security and intelligence agency. Currently it is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána, which has limited resources.
With Ireland now a location for a significant amount of data storage, and the location of choice for a significant number of multinational corporations, potentially the threat level that the State faces has increased.
The establishment of a civilian-led agency, staffed by members of the Defence Forces alongside members of An Garda Síochána, with civilian specialists, should be a priority for Government.
We are one of the only European countries without such an agency.
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Increasing our defence and security capabilities, alongside working with our European partners, can only be a benefit for the State. – Yours, etc,
CONOR HOGARTY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
