Urgent: Gardaí Decline National Security Meeting with Oireachtas

URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking move, An Garda Síochána and national security officials have declined an invitation from the Oireachtas Committee for Defence and National Security to discuss pressing national security issues. This refusal has raised alarm among politicians who believe the government is intentionally restricting oversight of defense and security matters in Ireland.

The refusal follows an invitation extended to the Special Detective Unit (SDU) and officials from the Department of the Taoiseach to attend a meeting scheduled for November 26, 2023. Only representatives from the Department of Defence (DOD) agreed to participate, which has left committee members outraged. This meeting was intended to address security preparations for the upcoming EU Presidency and broader national security concerns.

Committee members expressed disbelief at the decline, with Senator Gerard Craughwell accusing the government of “nobbling” the committee, preventing any substantial investigation into national security. He stated, “We seem to be as a parliament, the only parliament in the western world that is not allowed to have oversight of defence and security.”

Committee Chair Rose Conway Walsh emphasized the urgent need for accountability, saying, “It is time for the Oireachtas to take national security seriously… The country is facing many unprecedented security challenges.”

In a formal communication, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly and officials from the DOD cited that the committee’s questions regarding national security exceeded its defined remit, which is limited to cyber defence and related hybrid threats. This narrow interpretation has left committee members feeling sidelined.

Despite this, the DOD has indicated willingness to engage, stating, “The Department remains available to attend whenever the Committee determines a date.” However, the lack of attendance from the SDU, which plays a crucial role in counter-terrorism and domestic security, raises significant concerns about transparency.

Labour TD Duncan Smith lamented the situation, calling it deeply disappointing and indicative of a “purposeful obstructive policy” aimed at limiting the committee’s ability to scrutinize national security effectively. He expressed that the committee’s function should not be merely “window dressing.”

As the EU Presidency approaches in July 2024, the implications of this refusal are critical. The committee’s ability to oversee and assess national security directly impacts Ireland’s preparedness for potential threats.

Looking ahead, committee members are expected to convene later today to discuss their next steps, including a potential request for a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin to amend their terms of reference and enhance their oversight capabilities.

This situation is developing rapidly, and further updates are anticipated as the committee seeks to address the growing concerns around national security and government accountability. The urgency of these discussions cannot be overstated, as Ireland navigates an increasingly complex global security landscape.