Insight into Irish Military Intelligence Unit Revealed in Judge's Report

Ireland’s secretive military intelligence service, now known as the Irish Military Intelligence Service (IMIS), is seeking increased surveillance powers to address threats to State security amid a significant internal restructuring. The service has moved to a new purpose-built headquarters in Dublin, although much of its operations remain highly confidential. The identity of its commander, location, and strength are undisclosed, with recent Defence Forces documents still referring to it as J2.

The judge responsible for monitoring communications surveillance by State agencies, Mr Justice Tony O’Connor, revealed that IMIS has transitioned to a secure facility in McKee Barracks, Dublin, designed to top-secret security standards. The service processes intelligence from Nato and EU sources, with a focus on State security and Defence Forces deployments overseas.

IMIS gathers intelligence from various sources, including other military and intelligence agencies, and occasionally conducts its own wiretaps and communications surveillance. The service operates under the Interception Of Postal Packets And Telecommunications Messages Act, 1993, and seeks data under The Communications (Retention Of Data) Act 2011. However, it lacks the authority to intercept communications on internet platforms like WhatsApp or Gmail.

The Defence Forces have requested legislative updates to address this limitation and enhance their ability to compel service providers to comply with data requests. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has announced plans for new surveillance laws to include web-based platforms and encrypted technologies, aligning with recommendations from the 2022 Commission on the Defence Forces.

According to the source: The Irish Times.