British spy agency MI5 is to take charge of national security intelligence work in Northern Ireland, Northern Secretary Paul Murphy announced today.
It will assume lead responsibility from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in 2007, falling into line with the rest of the UK.
In a House of Commons written statement, Mr Murphy said: "Sharing of intelligence on a cross-border and international basis will be particularly important in combating money laundering and other aspects of organised crime."
He said the security service would continue to work in partnership with the PSNI, which will provide the operational police response in countering paramilitary activity.
The powers of the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the office of police ombudsman Ms Nuala O'Loan will not be affected by the change.
It is understood that Ms O'Loan has some reservations about the changeover. Her spokesman said: "She will be studying the detail very closely, particularly with regard to ensuring that all elements of policing in Northern Ireland continue to be fully accountable to the public."
The Policing Board said in a statement it would meet next week to discuss the implications of the decision.
Policing Board Chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea said he had asked for a briefing from the government and the Policing Board would also be seeking a reaction from the PSNI Chief Constable, Mr Hugh Orde.
"National security is - and always has been - a matter reserved to Government, and is not a matter for the Policing Board," he said. "However since it impinges operationally on the PSNI the Board will want to explore the implications of this decision."
Sinn Féin policing spokesman Mr Gerry Kelly claimed the granting of the lead role in intelligence operations to MI5 was a pre-emptive strike by the establishment to prejudice the transfer of policing and justice powers to any future Stormont Executive.
PA