Dear Readers,
Edward Burke’s thought-provoking opinion piece was unfortunately attached to a misleading headline: “It’s a mistake to dismiss the Cobalt allegations as Carry on Spying.” In the piece, Burke cites a Morning Ireland interview I took part in. He quotes me as characterising the situation as potentially embarrassing and humorously comparing it to the movie “Carry on Spying” due to the lightness of the situation.
Those who frequently tune in to RTÉ would be aware that my comments about the allegations mentioned in a Sunday publication were far more comprehensive. They related not only to the supposed spying within our national parliament, but to the broader context as well.
Contrary to the suggestion of dismissing security matters in Ireland, I have committed myself for over two decades as a politician, academic and journalist to advocating for appropriate investment in our country’s defence and intelligence infrastructure, along with aptly trained personnel.
Our nation’s security structure is disappointingly inadequate. On this point, I wholeheartedly stand with Burke’s endorsement of establishing a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Intelligence and Security. This would allow us to enhance our capability to execute security vetting effectively.
I am aware that writers are not responsible for the headlines that are paired with their articles. Thus, I hope this provides clarification and dispels any notion that I am dismissive of the security problems surrounding espionage within Irish societal sectors, whether they be political, economic or cultural. This concern extends even to the space I currently occupy – academia.
Respectfully,
Senator Tom Clonan,
Independent Senator of the TCD Panel,
Seanad Éireann,
Leinster House.