Security in NI and G2

[Bogwarrior]

I'm aware of the big debate that raged over whether MI5 or MI6 should take primacy in Northern Ireland, but does anyone know if the Republic of Ireland falls under MI5 or MI6's jurisdiction? I think its 5.

Obviously it makes sound operational sense for the agency responsible for Northern Ireland also to cover the 26 counties, but it is a tad patronising/insulting all the same...

MI5 operates in the 26 counties. It also operates overseas, and have harassed 32 CSM supporters and members as far as North America, Spain, and Bulgaria.

[badinage]

MI5 operates in the 26 counties.

Do you mean the 26 counties is officially MI5 jurisdiction (which would make sense), or do you mean its MI6 jurisdiction, but in practice MI5 run agents here, outside their official mandate?

[johnfás]

the point is, it is just plain rude for a foreign intellignce agency to establish a physical presence on this island only miles from our border.

The 6 counties of Northern Ireland are part of the United Kingdom, thus within the United Kingdom Mi5 is not a foreign intelligence agency. However, G2, when acting in the North, do fulfil this description.

Rude? Sure all states spy on each other, its par for the course really.

Especially when the Irish security force could just as well protect NI

a) Northern Ireland isn't part of the Republic of Ireland, thus it does not have jurisdiction.

b) I highly doubt the fact that they could protect it just as well.

[st333ve]

Im always quite shocked at how people view the irish security forces.
The irish army today is very well equipt, popular belief would have people thinking its a few men in uniform with hurley sticks.

[cgcsb]

well if G2 protects the republic perfectly well i don't see why it cant protect the north. You don't know which one gets proportionaly more funding even if MI5 does, that's irrelivant

[badinage]

well if G2 protects the republic perfectly well i don't see why it cant protect the north.

It doesn't have the legal jurisdiction to operate there. Do you understand that?

You don't know which one gets proportionaly more funding even if MI5 does, that's irrelivant

No it isn't - funding is vital to intelligence agencies, in terms of satellites, surveillance technology, paying agents and informers, setting up front organisations, etc