Deirdre has responsibility for the Security and Northern Ireland Unit.
Security and Northern Ireland has responsibility for national and international security matters and North-South co-operation on criminal justice matters in the Department of Justice.
The area has recently been reorganised and is expanding to take account of the more dynamic and varied national security environment facing the State. Its responsibilities include providing analysis and advice to the Minister and the Secretary General on all security related issues including emerging national and international threats and supporting the development and implementation of security policy in cooperation with key partners including An Garda Síochána. It is also responsible for keeping under review security legislation and managing the oversight arrangements for the delivery of security services including leading on the establishment of the Independent Examiner of Security Legislation.
It continues to support cooperation on criminal justice matters with Northern Ireland to counteract terrorist or organised crime, working with partners and stakeholders to progress the legacy measures contained in the Stormont House agreement and commitments made to further the Good Friday Agreement.