State Security Threat Assessment Points to Espionage and Harmful Belief Systems as Primary Concerns, Assertions Garda
In a recent report, the Garda has identified several threats to Ireland's national security. The main concerns include terrorism, violent political extremism, espionage, sabotage, and subversion. The report underscores the "ever present" threat from hostile foreign state actors, particularly those intent on stealing intellectual property and sensitive information about Ireland's policies and political matters.
The role of the Special Detective Unit within the Garda is crucial in this regard. Their responsibility includes identifying, investigating, and reporting for prosecution threats to State security. The unit works tirelessly to counter these threats, especially in light of Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency.
One of the key areas of concern is the proliferation of destructive ideologies, which poses a direct threat to the values of democratic society, endangers lives, and jeopardises the freedoms and norms we have grown accustomed to in a secure society. This includes the risks posed by self-radicalised "lone actor" extremists and violent political extremist groups.
The report also highlights the complexity of the security environment, with increasing extremism both within Ireland and across Europe. The Garda Security & Intelligence Service continually monitors these threats and works with international partners to mitigate risks.
The report does not specify which countries pose a threat, but senior security officials have previously raised concerns about espionage activities by Russia, China, and Iran. There are also concerns about China regularly attempting to gain access to the intellectual property of technology and pharmaceutical companies in Ireland.
A notable incident was the stabbing attack on a Defence Forces chaplain in Galway last year by a radicalised teenager, which has been officially designated as Ireland's first Islamic terrorist attack. Another stabbing attack on a Garda is being investigated as potential Islamic-inspired terrorism.
There are also concerns about a Russian expatriates network being active in Ireland, potentially acting as an extension of the Kremlin's security services. The Government has taken steps to reduce the number of Russian intelligence agents in Ireland, including introducing national security legislation preventing Russia from extending its embassy and refusing visas to multiple incoming diplomats.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who retires at the end of August, has stated that Garda capabilities in the areas of national security, counter-intelligence, and counter-terrorism will continue to be enhanced, and partnerships between national and international partners will be developed, maintained, and strengthened.
The Government has committed to a ring-fenced budget that will allow the security service to expand recruitment of civilians with specialist skills. This is aimed at ensuring that the Garda is well-equipped to deal with the evolving security landscape and protect Ireland from these threats.
[1] Irish Times: Garda warns of 'ever-present' threat from hostile foreign state actors
[2] RTE: Ireland's first Islamic terrorist attack
[3] Irish Examiner: Garda warns of increased threat from far-right extremists
[4] The Journal: Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to retire in August
[5] Irish Independent: Ireland not immune from terrorism and extremism, Garda report warns
- In light of the ongoing political threats from hostile foreign state actors as highlighted by the Garda report, there is a pressing need for the Special Detective Unit to counter these threats, particularly in relation to general-news topics like espionage and subversion.
- The escalating tension in the political climate, with rising concerns over extremism within Ireland and across Europe, has led to a significant focus on general-news areas such as terrorism and violent political extremism, as emphasized in the recent report on Ireland's national security.
