asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether any report has been received in his Department of an alleged case of illegal phone-tapping in County Donegal; and if he will make a full statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Illegal Phone-tapping.
118.
I assume the Deputy's question refers to a complaint by a subscriber in County Donegal about disclosure of information transmitted by telephone. The matter may shortly be the subject of criminal proceedings and it would be inappropriate for me to say anything further at this stage.
Is it true that anybody has been dismissed because of this charge? Is the Minister aware of the stories which are being bandied about this House that a Senator's phone was being tapped and that a Deputy was concerned in it? Will the Minister verify this? Is it the truth and are prosecutions about to take place?
It is true that a telephone operator was dismissed on 13th June of this year. I am not responsible in any way for whatever stories may be going around.
The Minister has said that criminal proceedings are being instituted. Are they being instituted by the Department or on behalf of the Department or by some other agency?
All proceedings of this nature are instigated by the Attorney General's Office.
The distinction is whether they are brought by the Department or otherwise.
There is no distinction whatsoever.
The Minister gave me the answer but I do not think he understands the question.
The Deputy would be surprised at what I understand.
I would not.
The Minister should not be too hard on the Deputy; he got him where he is.