Sir, – Finbarr Corkery (July 27th) in referring to Conor Brady’s article on the role of the Garda and the Defence Forces appears uncomfortable with the notion of military intelligence duplicating, or impinging on, tasks that might be considered the preserve of the Garda Síochána. He falls into the trap that catches most commentators on defence in this country. When he reads Defence Forces he thinks Army.
The Navy with Air Corps support patrols our territorial seas, exclusive economic zone and maritime domain 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. While so engaged, the Navy is extensively engaged in intelligence gathering. No other State agency covers the Navy’s area of operations. Indeed the use of the Navy for maritime law enforcement, including intelligence gathering, is an extremely cost effective method of maintaining a Navy and ensuring that activities being carried out in the seas under Irish control are legal. – Yours, etc,
JAMES ROBINSON,
Riverstick, Co Cork.