Sir, – Reports over the weekend regarding members of the Oireachtas being targeted for recruitment by Russian operatives highlight once again the need for a national security and intelligence agency (“Gardaí have compiled list of Oireachtas members and other people they believe have been targeted by Russians”, News, October 18th).
Ireland is the only country in the European Union that does not have such an agency. A national security and intelligence agency, staffed by members of An Garda Síochána and members of the Defence Forces, and also employing civilian specialists and experts, should be a priority for the next government.
Our continued economic success depends upon having adequate defence and security measures in place.
It is time for Government to take the defence and security of the State seriously and provide adequately for it. – Yours, etc,
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CONOR HOGARTY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – In the light of recent allegations that a member of the Oireachtas was propositioned by an intermediary on behalf of Russia, I note that a leading politician is calling for his colleagues to receive “training” to make them aware of such approaches.
While I would argue that “horse” has well and truly bolted, what makes our politicians believe they can properly manage an economy with a multibillion budget without any training? – Yours, etc,
PAT SMYTH,
Dublin 13.