asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a statement to the effect that the telephones of politicians, journalists and others are being tapped; if there is any truth in this statement; and, if so, if he will give particulars of the tapping of such telephones.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tapping of Telephones.
39.
The allegation in question is without foundation. The position in relation to this matter has been publicly stated in the Dáil on several occasions and is as follows: Telephone communications may be intercepted only pursuant to a warrant issued under the hand and seal of the Minister for Justice, that is to say, a warrant not only authorised personally but signed personally by the Minister. Such warrants are granted only where required for security purposes or for the prevention or detection of serious crime, information as to which could be got in no other way and there is no basis whatsoever for the suggestion in the newspaper article that the practice is widespread and extends to trade unionists, journalists, politicians, professional men and business people.
Does it, in fact, exist at all? That is the point. Does this thing go on, under warrant or otherwise? Is there listening in to private conversations? It is very reprehensible if there is.
From time to time, in the circumstances to which I have referred, telephone communications are intercepted.
Will the Minister say how many, if any, warrants he signed in the past year or in the past two or three years?
No.
None?
I will not say.
We are no wiser.
Could the Minister say if the warrants can be obtained without the knowledge of the person whose wire is being tapped? Does the Minister agree it is right that a line should be tapped and private conversations listened into?
Sometimes you can hear them breathing down your neck almost.
An innocent person has nothing to fear.
Does the Minister not agree a person is innocent in this country until proved guilty?
It is Gestapo tactics, is it not?
Very much Gestapo. There will have to be more about that.