Startling Revelations From the Tánaiste On Alleged Russian Spy – Tóibí
In response to questioning from Peadar Tóibín TD in the Dáil today, the Tánaiste Mícheal Martin made startling revelations concerning alleged Russian spy within the Oireachtas. Micheal Martin stated that he never received briefings about the alleged Russian intelligence asset in the Oireachtas either in his time as Taoiseach or Tánasite. He stated that there is a lack of accountability in the intelligence services. He stated that he is not comfortable with the situation that pertains. He stated that if there was a leak, that this is not acceptable.
Responding to the Tánaiste’s statement An Teachta Tóibín stated:
“these are startling revelations from the Tánaiste. For the Minister for Defence to openly declare on the floor of the Dáil that here is an issue of accountability with our intelligence service, is disturbing. He said that we lack an accountability chain within the intelligence service. This too is a stunning admission. He said that he is not comfortable with the situation that pertains”.
“This is incredibly serious and very worrying that the Minister responsible for the national security, questions its oversight. Ireland is one of the only countries in Europe that does not have a National Security Strategy. There is no National Security Oversight Committee in the Dáil. And now by the Tánaiste’s admission there is weakness in oversight at government level. That the Tánaiste has asked this question from the floor of the Dáil and not lifted up the phone to the officials responsible for intelligence, is also extremely concerning. The Tánaiste seems to be commenting rather than fixing. This is not good enough”
“Ireland is a member of the EU. We have a common travel area with Britain. We are the location of one of the highest concentrations of tech companies in the world. We have under water transatlantic cables off our coast, above which two Russian Ships parked recently. In 2021 we had a cyber-attack that has cost over €100m and could reach €650m in costs. We have a defence force that is weakening every year.
Yesterday the Seanad discussed the issue. Members sniggered like giddy children. It looked like an episode of Kilnaskully. But the question remains is who is in charge?"
