Four Russian officials suspected of spying are set to leave Ireland on Sunday after the Government ordered them out of the country.
A source confirmed to the Irish Mirror the four officials who were working out of the Russian Embassy in Dublin would be leaving Ireland on Sunday.
The source said: “They will be leaving the country on Sunday.
“They were given a number of days to organise their departure and gather their belongings.”
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Government has made the move following security advice and a meeting with the State’s national security team.
The four Russians were asked to leave the State because “their activities are not in accordance with international standards of diplomatic behaviour.”
A senior security source told the Irish Mirror that the four diplomats are suspected of spying.
The source said: “The Government became extremely concerned about spying activities and decided to act.”
It’s understood the Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service had been keeping an eye on the four officials for some time.
Speaking to reporters in recent days, Mr Martin said the information that came to light about the four officials was concerning.
He said: “We wouldn’t have taken the decisions we took if it didn’t concern us, it did.
“I take very seriously the presentations I received from the Garda Commissioner, the chief of staff so we’re very clear that the reasons were well founded for doing this and under the Vienna Convention and on the basis that the activities of these individuals was not in accordance with international standards of diplomacy.
“I think people can read various things from that.”
A statement from the embassy of the Russian federation in Ireland hit back at the Government’s decision.
It read: “The Embassy of Russia in Ireland has been informed by the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland of the decision by the Government of Ireland to request that four members of the diplomatic staff of the Embassy leave Ireland shortly, because allegedly their actions have been found to be unacceptable.
“The Embassy rejects such qualifications of the work of our diplomats.
“This is arbitrary, groundless decision which can only deteriorate further Russian-Irish relations, already damaged by the Irish participation in illegitimate EU sanctions against Russia.
“The Embassy proceeds from the assumption that such a step by the Irish side will not go unanswered.”
READ MORE: Vladimir Putin's next move could have huge impact on Ireland and the cost of living
READ MORE: Suspected Russian spies ordered to leave Ireland amid 'extreme concerns' about security
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter .
