Warning over threats from hostile states as 'agent Cobalt' controversy deepens

The warning on hostile states targeting State policies and political information comes as the so-called ‘agent Cobalt’ controversy deepened over the weekend.

The threat to Ireland from hostile states seeking information — including on policies and political information of the State — “is ever present”, the Garda security service has warned.

The Garda Annual Security Services Plan 2025 says Ireland is facing an “increasingly diverse range” of threats — from terrorism, violent extremism and subversion as well as espionage and sabotage.